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Doc. No. 1 



APPENDIX TO MESSAGE I. 



DOCUMENTS 



RELATIVE TO THE 






HARPERS FERRY INVASION, 












K? 



Doc. No. 1. 51 



Governor Wisth Letter to President Buchanan. 

Richmond, Va., Nov. 25, 1659. 
Sir, 

I have information from various quarters, upon which I rely, that a 
conspiracy, of formidable extent in meaus and numbers, is formed in Ohio, Penn- 
sylvania, New York and other states, to rescue John Brown and his associates, 
prisoners at Charlestown, Virginia. The information is specific enough to be 
reliable. It convinces me that an attempt will be made to rescue the prisoners, 
and if that fails, then to seize citizens of this state as hostages and victims, in 
case of execution. The execution will take place next Friday as certainly as 
that Virginia can and will enforce her laws. I have been obliged to call out one 
thousand men, who are now under arms, and, if necessary, shall call out the 
whole available force of the state to carry into effect the sentence of our laws on 
the 2nd and 16th proximo. Places in Maryland, Ohio and Pennsylvania have 
been occupied as depots and rendezvous by these desperadoes, unobstructed by 
guards or otherwise, to invade this state, and we are kept in continual apprehen- 
sion of outrages from fire and rapine on our borders. 

I apprise you of these facts, in order that you may take steps to preserve 
peace between the states. 

I protest that my purpose is peaceful, and that I disclaim all threats when I 
say, with all the might of meaning, that if another invasion assails this state or 
its citizens from any quarter, I will pursue the invaders wherever they may go, 
into any territory, and punish them wherever arms can reach them. 

I shall send a copy of this to the governors of Maryland, Ohio and Penn- 
sylvania. 

With due respect and consideration, 

Yours truly, 

HF.NRY A WISE. 

His Excellency James Buchanan, 

President of the United States. 



52 Doc. No. 1. 



Answer of President Buchanan. 

Washington City, Nov. 28, 1859. 
Sin, 

I received, on yesterday, your favor of the 25th instant, stating that 
you have information, from various quarters, ou which you rely, "that a conspi- 
racy of formidable extent in means and numbers, is formed in Ohio, Pennsylva- 
nia, New York and other states, to rescue John Brown and his associates, 
prisoners at Charlestown, Virginia." The information you believe "is specific 
enough to be reliable," and you are convinced "that an attempt will be made to 
rescue the prisoners, and if that fails, then to seize citizens of this state (Vir- 
ginia) as hostages and victims, in case of execution." 

You do not communicate the facts on which your convictions are founded ; in 
the absence of which, it would seem almost incredible that any portion of the 
people of the states mentioned should be guilty of the atrocious wickedness, as 
well as fully of attempting to rescue convicted traitors and murderers from the 
penalty due to their crimes under the outraged laws of Virginia. You express 
entire confidence, in which I heartily participate, that the noble old common- 
wealth is abundantly able and willing to carry her own laws into execution. 
Had this beeu otherwise, and had you, as the governor of Virginia (the legislature 
not now being in session), made application to me for the aid which the constitu- 
tion and laws of the United States would enable me to afford, this should have 
been cheerfully and cordially granted. Still, there is one measure which, on the 
presumption that your information is w r ell founded, it is both ray right and my 
duty to adopt : that is, to reinforce tho guard already stationed at Harpers Ferry. 
This may become necessary not only to protect the public property clearly within 
federal jurisdiction, but to prevent the insurgents from seizing the arms in the 
arsenal at that place, and using them against the troops of Virginia. Besides, it 
is possible the additional troops may be required to act as a posse comitatus on 
the requisition of the marshal of the United States for the western district of \ ir- 
giuia, to prevent the rescue of Stevens, now in his custody, charged with the 
crime of high treason. I have, therefore, as a precautionary measure, directed 
the secretary of war to order two companies of artillery to proceed immediately 
from fortress Monroe to Harpers Ferry. 

You also inform me, that " places in Maryland, Ohio and Pennsylvania have 
been occupied as depots and rendezvous by these desperadoes, unobstructed by 
guards or otherwise, to invade" Virginia; and you apprise me of theso facts, in 
order that I "may take steps to preserve peace between the states." 

I am at a loss to discover any provision in the constitution or laws of the 
United States, which would authorize me to " take steps" for this purpose. It 
is, doubtless, the imperative duty of the respective state governments to break 



Doc. No. 1. 53 

up such depots, and to prevent their citizens from making incursions into Virginia, 
to disturb its peace or prevent the execution of its laws. If the federal execu- 
tive, however, were to enter those states and perform this duty for them, it would 
be a manifest usurpation of their rights. Were I thus to act, it would be a pal- 
pable invasion of state sovereignty, and, as a precedent, might prove highly dan- 
gerous. 

My authority for calling out the milira. or em loying the army and navy, is 
derived exclusively from the acts of congress of the 28th February 1795 and the 
3d March 1807, which clearly do not embrace such a case as is now presented. 
It will not be pretended that such incursions from one state into another would 
be au invasion of the United States "from any foreign nation or Indian tribe," 
under the act of February 1795, rendering it lawful for the president to employ 
the federal forces " to repel such invasion." 

In conclusion, I beg to express the hope that, whether the information you 
have received be founded iu truth or not, the energetic measures already adopted 
under your direction, will prove sufficient for any emergency that may occur. 

Yours, very respectfully, 

JAMES BUCHANAN. 
His Excellency Henry A. Wise, 

Governor of Firginia — Richmond, Fa. 



54 Doc. No. 1. 



Letter of Governor Wise to (he Governor of Maryland. 

Richmond, Va., Nov. 25, 1859, 
Dear Sir, 

I respectfully send to you the information contained in a letter to 
the president of the United States, of which the enclosed is a copy. I submit it 
to you, in the confidence that you will faithfully co-operate with the authorities 
of this state in preserving the peace of our coterminous borders. Necessity may 
compel us to pursue invaders of our jurisdiction into yours; if so, you may be 
assured that it will be done with no disrespect to the sovereignty of your state. 
But this state expects the confederate duty to be observed, of guarding your ter- 
ritory from becoming dangerous to our peace and safety, by affording places of 
depot and rendezvous to lawless desperadoes who may seek to war upon our 
people. 

We are grateful to the troops of Maryland for the volunteer services they ren- 
dered to this state at Harpers Ferry; and we are well assured that if ordered or 
allowed to do so, they will prevent the borders of Maryland from being made the 
points whence to assail brethren who would gladly rush to their defence against 
any enemy. 

With the highest respect, 

I am, sir, yours truly, 

HENRY A. WISE. 

His Excellency the Governor of Maryland. 



Due. No. 1. 55 



Answer of the Governor of Maryland. 

State of Maryland, Executive Chamber, 

Annapolis, November 29tb, 1859. 
Dear Sir, 

I have received the communication which you were good enough 
to send me, under date of the 25th instant, enclosing a copy of the letter addressed 
by you, on the same day, to the president of the United States, in relation to 
information which has reached you of the designs and threats of invading 
Virginia, and of rescuing Brown and his confederates from the custody of the 
law. 

The confidence you have expressed, that I will faithfully co-operate with the 
authorities of Virginia in preserving the peace of our coterminous borders, is 
justified by the measures I have already adopted, and by the means I will use to 
that end, as well as' by the plain interests and well known dispositions of the 
people of ibis state. 

While I regard the threats which have been reported, as the exaggerated or 
idle boastings of fanatics, whose courage is only sufficient to urge others to des- 
perate and treasonable enterprises, I have deemed it prudent to make such 
provisions, by my orders to the civil and military authorities of this state, and 
especially to those in the counties adjoining the scene of the late outrage, as will 
prevent the occupation of any place, within this stale, for a depot or rendezvous 
for lawless desperadoes, who may seek to make war upon the people of Virginia. 

In these, as well as in the character and disposition of the citizens of this state, 
I have complete confidence; and to these I will add, at once, such further 
measures as will remove, I trust, even the fear that the borders of this state may 
be made the points whence to assail the rights or the property of our brethren. 

With the highest respect, 

I am, sir, yours truly, 

THO. H. HICKS. 

His Excdkncy the Governor of Virginia. 



56 Doc. No. 1. 



Letter of Governor Wise to the Governor of Pennsylvania. 

Richmond, Va., Nov. 25, 1859. 
Dear Sir, 

I respectfully send to you the information contained in a letter to 
the president of the United States, of which the enclosed is a copy. I submit it 
to you, in the confidence that you will faithfully co-operate with the authorities 
of this state in preserving the peace of our coterminous borders. Necessity may 
compel us to pursue invaders of our jurisdiction into yours; if so, you may be 
assured that it will be done with no disrespect to the sovereignty of your state. 
But this state expects the confederate duty to be observed, of guarding your ter- 
ritory from becoming dangerous to our peace and safety, by affording places of 
depot and rendezvous to lawless desperadoes who may seek to war upon our 
people. 

With the highest respect, 

I am, sir, yours truly, 

HENRY A. WISE, 

His Excellency the Governor of Pennsylvania, 



Doc. No. 1. 57 



Answer {by Telegraph) of (he Governor of Pennsylvania. 

Executive Chamber, Harrisburg, Pa. 
December 1st. 

Your letter of the twenty-fifth (25th) having been missent to Harrisonburg, 
Virginia, was not received until this morning. 

Of all the desperadoes to whom you refer, not a man, so far as I can learn, 
was a citizen of Pennsylvania, nor was their rendezvous, which you say was un- 
obstructed by guards or otherwise, in this state, but in Maryland or Virginia. 

In relation to them, Pennsylvania has done her duty. Virginia has no right to 
anticipate that she will not do so in the future. 

The information you have received in regard to a conspiracy to rescue John 
Brown, will undoubtedly be found, in the sequel, utterly and entirely without 
foundation, so far as Pennsylvania is concerned; nor will we permit any portiou 
of our territory along our borders or elsewhere to be made a depot, a rendezvous, 
or a refuge for lawless desperadoes from other states, who may seek to make war 
upon our southern neighbors. 

When that contingency shall happen, the constitutional and confederate duty of 
Pennsylvania shall be performed ; and under all circumstances, she will take care 
to see that her honor is fully vindicated. 

WM. F. PACKER. 
His Excellency the Governor of Virginia. 



58 Doc. No. 1. 



Letter of Governor Wise to the Governor of Ohio. 

Richmond, Va., Nov. 25, 1859. 
Dear Sir, 

I respectfully send to you the information contained in a letter to 
the president of the United States, of which the enclosed is a copy. I submit it 
to you, in the confidence that you will faithfully co-operate with the authorities 
of this state in preserving the peace of our coterminous borders. Necessity may 
compel us to pursue iuvaders of our jurisdiction into yours; if so, you may be 
assured that it will be done with no disrespect to the sovereignty of your state. 
But this state expects the confederate duty to be observed, of guarding your ter- 
ritory from becoming dangerous to our peace and safety, by affordiug places of 
depot and rendezvous to lawless desperadoes who may seek to war upon our 
people. 

With the highest respect, 

» 
I am, sir, yours truly, 

HENRY A. WISE. 

His Excellency the Governor of Ohio. 

\ 



Doc. No. 1. 59 



Executive Department, Dec. 6, 1859. 

The enclosed communication from the governor of Ohio, in answer to my 
Jetter addressed to him, and attached to my message of yesterday, has been since 
received. I respectfully ask that it may bo considered in connection with that 
message. 

Very respectfully, &c. 

HENRY A. WISE. 

To the Senate and House of Delegates of the 

General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia. 



60 Doc. No. 1. 



Answer of the Governor of Ohio. 

State of Ohio, Executive Department, 

Columbus, December 1st, 1859. 
Sir, 

Your letter of the 25th ult., postmarked 26th, together with a copy of 
one of the same date, addressed by you to the president, were received yesterday. 
No intelligence other than that contained in these letters, has reached me of any 
such preparations as are described in them, and the letters themselves convey no 
6uch information in respect to place or persons as is necessary to enable the au- 
thorities of the state, in the absence of other intelligence, to interpose with any 
certainty or tficct. Wheuever it shall be made to appear, either by evidence 
transmitted by you or otherwise, that unlawful combinations are being formed by 
any persons or at any place in Ohio, for the invasion of Virginia, or for the com- 
mission of crimes against her people, it will undoubtedly become the duty of the 
executive to use whatever power he may possess to break up such combinations 
and defeat their unlawful purposes, and that duty it need not be doubted will bo 
promptly performed. 

I observe with regret an intimation in your letter that necessity may compel 
the authorities of Virgiuia to pursue invaders of her jurisdiction into the territo- 
ries of adjoining states. It is to bo hoped that no circumstances will arise crea- 
ting, in their opinion, such necessity. Laws of the United States as well as the 
laws of Ohio indicate the mode in which persons charged with crime in another 
state and escaping into this, may be demanded and must be surrendered : and the 
people of this state will require from her authorities the punctual fulfilment of 
every obligation to the other members' of the Union. They cannot consent, 
however, to the invasion of her territory by armed bodies from other states, even 
for the purpose of pursuing and arresting fugitives from justice. 

I have the honor to be, 

Very respectfully yours, 



His Excellency Henry A. Wise, 

Governor of Virginia. 



S. P. CHASE. 



Doc. No. 1. 61 






Letter of Col. Gibson to Governor Wise. 

Harpers Ferry, October 18, 1859, 
Sir, 

Your order, per telegraph, dated Richmond, Va., the 17th instant, call- 
ing my " attention to section 1st, chapter 29, of the Code, and to the fact that tho 
arsenal and government property at Harpers Ferry were in possession of a band 
of rioters," was not received till about 11 o'clock A. M. to-day, in consequence 
of tho telegraphic posts round about here having been cut down by an audacious 
band of insurgents and robbers. 

On the morning of the 17th instant I received information at Charlestowu, that 
a band of abolitionists from the north had taken possession of the arsenal and 
workshops of the government located here; that they had killed several of our 
citizens, taken others, and held them as prisoners; and that they had in possession 
a large number of slaves, who on the night of the 16th instant were forcibly 
taken from their masters. 

I immediately ordered out the Jefferson Guards and the citizens of Charles- 
town ; v\ hich order was quickly responded to, and by 10 o'clock A. M. were 
armed and en route for this place. 

We left Charlestowu with about one hundred men; and on reaching Halltown 
(midway between Charlestowu and Harpers Ferry) we learned that the insur- 
gents were in largo numbers; and we at once dispatched orders to Col. L. T. 
Moore of Frederick county, and to the Hamtramck Guards and Shepherdstown 
Troop, to reinforce us immediately. We reached Harpers Ferry about half 
past 11 o'clock A. M. and took our position on Cam]) hill. We immediately dis- 
patched the Jefferson Guards, commanded by Capt. J. W. Rowan and Lieuten- 
ants II. E. Davenport, E. II. Campbell and W. W. B. Gallaher, to cross the 
Potomac river about one mile west of the ferry, and march down on the Mary- 
land side, and take possession of the Potomac bridge, and a company of the 
citizens of Charlestowu and vicinity, commanded by Capt. L. Botts and Lieut. 
F. Lackland, to cross the Winchester and Potomac rail road, by way of Jefferson 
rock, and take possession of the Gait house in rear of the arsenal, and command- 
ing the entrance to the armory yard. Capt. John Avis and R. B. Washington, 
Esq., with a handful of men, were ordered to take possession of the houses com- 
manding the yard of the arsenal. All these orders were promptly and success- 
fully executed. The bridge across the Shenandoah river and that of the Balti- 
more and Ohio rail road at the west end of the trestlo work, and the street 
leading from the rifle factory, were guarded by small detachments of men. 

Between three and four o'clock P. M. the Hamtramck Guards, Shepherdstown 
Troop, and a company from Martinsburg, commanded by Capt. G. Alburtifl, 



G2 Doc. No. 1. 

arrived on the ground. The company from Winchester, commanded by Capt. 
B. B. Washington, did not arrive till late in the evening. 

All the insurgents, save those who were killed and wounded through the day, 
entered with their prisoners into the guard-house and engine-room just inside of 
the gate of the armory yard, which was firmly locked. About three o'clock P. 
M. the enemy, with the most prominent of their prisoners, couccntrated in the 
engine room, leaving a large number of their prisoners fastened up in the guard- 
house. At this point, and after the arrival of the reinforcements from Shepherds- 
town and Marti usburg, Col. It. W. Baylor assumed the commaud, and will fur- 
nish you with the details of what followed. 

The avowed and confessed object of the insurgents was to free the slaves of 
the south. They had at their head quarters near Harpers Ferry, 200 Sharpe's 
rifles, 200 revolvers, 1,000 pikes, a large number of picks and shovels, and a great 
quantity of ammunition and other things used in war. All these were taken, 
and are in possession of the federal government. 

Very respectfully, 

Your ob't serv't, 

JNO. TIIOS. GIBSON, 

Cornell. 55th Regiment. 
His Excellency Henry A. Vv^ise, 

Governor of Virginia. 



, 



Doc. No. 1. 63 



Letter of Col. Baylor to Gov. TVise. 

Charlestown, Oct. 22, 1859. 
Sir, 

Having reeetred intelligence from Harpers Ferry, on the morning of the 
17th instant, that the abolitionists had invaded our state, taken possession of the 
town, government property and arms, I immediately proceeded to the scene of 
action. 

In passing through Charlestown, I met Col. Gibson, with the Jefferson Guards, 
under arms. We proceeded to Halltown in the cars, where the citizens of that 
place informed me I could proceed no further with the train, as not only the Win- 
chester, but also the Baltimore and Ohio rail road track had been taken up. At 
this place I learned they had taken 75 or 100 of our citizens prisoners, and had 
carried off many of our slaves. Thereupon I issued the following order to Col. 
L. T. Moore of the 31st regiment of Virginia militia : 

"Oct. 17, 1859. 
Col. L. T. Moore: 

Sir, 

You are ordered to muster all the volunteer forces under your 
command, fully armed and equipped, aud report to me forthwith at Harpers Ferry. 



(Signed) 



ROBERT W. BAYLOR, 

Col. 3d Reg't Cavalry." 



I placed the above order in charge of Capt. Bailey, the conductor on the Win- 
chester road, and directed him to return with his train to Winchester and deliver 
the order to Col. Moore. I proceeded on with the few troops we had under arms, 
on foot, to Harpers Ferry, where we arrived about 12 o'clock. 1 found the citi- 
zens in very great excitement. By this time the insurgents occupied all the 
lower part of the town, had their sentinels posted on all the different streets, and 
had shot one of our citizens, and a negro man, who had charge of the depot on 
the Baltimore and Ohio rail road. I here formed two companies of the citizens, 
aud placed them under the command of Capt. Lawson Botts and Capt. John 
Avis. Their forces were variously estimated at from 300 to 500 strong, armed 
with Sharpe's rifles and revolvers. 

I detached the Jefferson Guards, under the command of Capt. Rowau, and 
ordered them to cross the Potomac river, in boats, about two miles above Harpers 
Ferry, and march down on the Maryland side, aud take possesson of the bridge, 
and permit no one to pass. This order was strictly executed. The command 



64 Doc. No. 1. 

under Capt. Botts was ordered to pass down the hill below Jefferson's rock, and 
take possi luii of the Shenandoah bridge; to leave a strong guard at that point, 
ami to march down to the Gait house, in rear of the arsenal building, in which we 
supposed their men were lodged. Capt. Avis' command was ordered to take pos- 
session of the houses directly in front of the arsenal. Both of the above commands 
were promptly executed. By this movement we prevented any escape. Shortly 
after this, a report reached mc that Geo. W. Turner and Fontaine Beckham, two 
of our most esteemed citizens, had been shot. About 4 o'clock we were rein- 
forced by the arrival of the Ilamtramek Guards, under the command of Captain 
Butler, the Shepherdstown Troop, under the command of Capt. Reinhart, and 
some thirty citizens of Martinsburg, under the command of Capt. Alburtis. I 
ordered Capt. Alburtis to march down Potomac street, through the armory yard, 
to the arsenal. The Ilamtramek Guards and the Shepherdstown Troop (dis- 
mounted and armed with muskets), under my command, proceeded down High 
8tre< I to i.: centre of the town, in front of the arsenal. During this march the 
insurgents having secreted themselves in the engine-house in the armory yard, 
opened a brisk fire on Capt. Alburtis' company. The fire was quickly returned 
by Capt. Alburtis' company, who behaved very bravely. The different compa- 
nies near at hand rallied to Capt. Alburtis' rescue. The firing at this time was 
heavy, and the insurgents could not have retained their position many minutes, 
when they presented at the door a white flag. The firing thereupon ceased ; and 
I ordered the troops to draw up in line in front of the arsenal. During this en- 
gagement and the previous skirmishes, we had teu men wounded — two I fear 
mortally. The insurgents had eleven killed, one mortally wounded, and two 
taken prisoners — leaving only five in the engine-house, and one of those seriously 
wounded. 

In this engagement we rescued about thirty of our citizens whom they held as 
prisoners in the guard-house. They still held in the engine-house teu citizens 
and five slaves. 

Immediately after the troops were withdrawn, Capt. Brown sent to me. through 
Isaac Russell, one of their prisoners, a verbal communication, stating, if I would 
permit him to cross the bridge with his prisoners, to some poiut beyond, he would 
6et them at liberty. I scut him the following reply in writing : 

"Head Quarters Harpers Ferrt. 

Capt. John Broicn : 
Sir, 

Upon consultation with Mr. Isaac Russell, one of your prisoners, 
who has come to me on terms of capitulation, I say to you, if you will set at 
liberty our citizens, we will leave the government to deal with you concerning 
their property, as it may think most advisable. 

(Signed) 

ROBERT W. BAYLOR, 

Col. Commandant." 



Doc. No. J. 65 

In reply, I received the following answer in writing : 

" Capt. John Brown answers : 

In consideration of all my men, whether living or dead, or wounded, being soon 
safely w and delivered up to me at this point, with all their arms and amunitiou, 
we will then take our prisoners and cross the Potomac bridge, a little beyond 
which we will set them at liberty ; after which we can negotiate about the gov- 
ernment property as may be best. Also we require the delivery of our horse and 
harness at the hotel. 



(Signed) 
To the above I returned the following; answer 



JOHN BROWN." 



"Hkad Quarters. 



Capt. John Brown: 

Sir, 

The terms you propose I cannot accept. Under no consideration 
will I consent to a removal of our citizens across the river. The only negotiations 
upon which I will consent to treat, are those which have been previously proposed 
to you. 

(Signed) 

ROBERT W. BAYLOR, 

Col. Commandant." 

These terms he declined. Night by this time had set in, and the weather being 
very inclement, I thought it best, for the safety of our citizens, whom they held 
as prisouers, to cease operations for the night. Should I have ordered an attack 
at that hour, and in total darkness, our troops would have been as likelv to have 
murdered our own citizens as the insurgents, all being in the same apartment. 
Having concluded to postpone another attack until morning, guards were posted 
around the armory, and every precaution taken to prevent escape. Our troops 
by this time required some refreshment, having been on active duty, and exposed 
to a heavy fall of rain all day. A little after night we were reinforced by Col. 
L. T. Moore of 31st regiment, having under his command the Continental Guards, 1/ 
commanded by Capt. Washington, and the Rifles, commanded by Capt. Clarke-^- V 
also three companies from Frederick, Maryland, under the command of Col. 
Shriver. About 12 o'clock Col. Lee arrived, haviug under his command eighty- 
five marines from Washington. The government troops took possession of the 
government property, and formed inside of the armory yard, in close proximity 
to the engine-house. In this position Col. Lee thought it best to remain until 
morning. The night passed without serious alarm, but not without intense ex- 
citement. It was agreed between Col. Lee and myself, that the volunteer forces 
should form around on the outside of the government property, and clear the 
streets of all citizens and spectators, to prevent their firing random shots, to the 
great danger of our soldiers, and to remain in that position whilst he would at- 
tack the engine-house with his marines. As soon as day dawned, the troops were 
9 



06 Doc. No. 1. 

drawn up in accordance with the above arrangement. After which, Col. Lee 
demanded of the insurgents a surrender, upon the terms I had before proposed 
to them, which they still declined. The marines were then ordered to force the 
doors. The attempt was made with heavy sledges, but proved ineffectual. They 
were then ordered to attack the doors with a heavy ladder, which was lying a 
short distance off. After two powerful efforts, the door was shattered sufficiently 
to obtain an eutrance. Immediately a heavy volley was fired in by the marines, 
and an entrance effected, which soon terminated the conflict. In this engagement 
the marines had one killed and one slightly wounded. The insurgents had two 
killed and three taken prisoners. After the firing ceased, the imprisoned citizens 
walked out unhurt. 

Ascertaining that the whole party within the town were either killed or taken 
prisoners, I disbanded all the troops, with the exception of the Jefferson Guards, 
whom I retained on duty to prevent any further disturbances, should they 



About 12 o'clock on Tuesday, information having been received that a large 
number of arms were secreted in a house in the mountain, the Independent Grays 
of Baltimore were dispatched to search for them. They returned about 6 o'clock, 
having found 200 Sharpe's rifles, 200 revolvers, 23,000 percussion caps, 100,000 
percussion pistol caps, 10 kegs of gunpowder, 1,300 ball cartridges for Sharpe's 
rifles, 1 major general's sword, 1,500 pikes, and a large assortment of blankets and 
clothing of every description. On Wednesday the prisoners were placed in the 
custody of the sheriff of our county, and safely lodged in jail. Disturbances still 
occurring on the Maryland side of the river, I marched the Jefferson Guards over 
and made a thorough examination of their rendezvous — found it deserted, and 
every thing quiet. We returned about 6 o'clock to the ferry. Shortly after, 
there was another general alarm, which caused great excitement. The alarm was 
occasioned by a gentleman, residing in Pleasant valley, riding into town in great 
haste, and stating that he saw firing and heard the screams of the people, and 
that a large number of insurgents had collected, and were murdering all before 
them. Forthwith, Col. Lee, with thirty marines, proceeded to the spot, and the 
Jefferson Guards took possession of the bridge. In about three hours Col. Lee re- 
turned, the alarm having proved to have been false. Nothing further having 
occurred during the night to disturb the quiet of the town, on the following morn- 
ing I disbanded the company, and returned home. 

I feel it my duty, before closing this report, to state that the arms in the posses- 
sion of the volunteer companies in this section of the 6tate are almost worthless. 
I do not think we have 100 muskets in the county of Jefferson — a border county, 
and one the most exposed of all others. With such arms as we have, it is 
butchery to require our troops to face au enemy much better equipped. Col. 
Moore of the 31st regiment informs me, in his report, that out of one hundred and 
thirty-five men on duty, he had not thirty pieces that would fire with any effect. 

If the state expects her volunteers to protect her, she must arm them better. 
Knowing the great interest that will be felt throughout the state, and to vindicate 



Doc. No. 1. 67 

the houor and valor of the troops uuder ray command, I have been more than 
necessarily minute in this report. 

I am pleased to inform you that they obeyed every order with alacrity, and 
with a full determination to do their duty. 

The prisoners are doing well, and I do not fear any attempt will be made to 
rescue them, or that any further disturbances will occur. 

I have the houor to be, 

Very respectfully, 

ROBERT W. BAYLOR, 

Col. commanding the Va. Troops at Harpers Ferry. 



L^C. SJi^rk 6-cUcT Out. -fa-uJjUvJ^ 



68 Doc. No. 1. 



Sir, 



Letter of Henry Hudnall, Esq. to Governor Wise. 

Richmond, November 17th, 1851). 



Herewith I have the honor to submit to your excellency the fruits of 
the mission on which you were pleased to send me to Charlestown, where the 
trial of the insurgents in the recent Harpers Ferry affair, was then going en. On 
arriving at Charlestown, I at once made known my business to the Hon. Andrew 
Hunter, who. with that urbane kindness so characteristic of the man, made every 
arrangement for the quiet and immediate prosecution of my work. 

I found a large quantity of matter, consisting of letters, journals, memorandum 
books; printed matter, such as the "Provisional Constitution" and the "Duty of 
the Soldier," of which there were many copies, blank forms of commissions, 
both civil and military, a rail road map of the United States and Canada, a map 
of the seat of war in Northern Italy, and extracts cut from newspapers, chiefly 
the New York Tribune; together with cards and circulars of manufacturers and 
agents for the sale of seven shooters and Sharpe's rifles. There were, also, 
printed certificates of "honorable" service in the Kansas wars, signed by Gen. 
Jim Lane. Besides these were numerous scraps of paper — sibylline leaves — 
which were the receptacles of stray thoughts, mostly in the handwriting of Kagi 
and John Brown, and a diary in photographic abbreviations, which, from the cha- 
racter of the writing, I should judge, was kept by Owen Brown. Its contents 
are chiefly remarks on the weather, references to controversies on abstract sub- 
jects between Tidd and Whipple (as Stephens called himself) of evenings; of 
hauling with teams, of drilling so many hours, of studying tactics, of writing let- 
ters, and of meeting with acquaintances. In some places he alludes to his sins, 
in mock contrition asks, in the most beseeching manner, for the prayers of his 
brothers and sisters in his behalf, and adds that the tears of repentance are rolling 
down his cheeks "as big as goose eggs." There are uo dates nor places of any 
consequence mentioned, nor any allusion to his father's scheme, unless "drilling" 
aud " tactics" may be so construed. There is a loose piece of paper found with 
this diary, which seems to be a continuation of it, in the same style aud hand- 
writing. Among the last entries on this piece of paper, are the following ex- 
pressions: "Dfens. Trn. Stats evdens. Moffat as guilty as I." 

There is, among Brown's Kansas papers, his commission as captain in Lane's 
army of deliverance. Also the muster roll of Brown's company in Kansas. 
But it docs not appear that any of those men were with him in his foray on Har- 
pers Ferry, except his son Oliver. There is, also, a long, well written and inte- 
resting letter from John Brown, jr. to his father, describing, with much minute- 
ness, his routes, encampnients, and other incidents connected with his earlier 
Kansas life. This sou appears to be the most intelligent aud the best educated 
of all Brown's children, whose correspondence I have seen. While he seems to 



Doc. No. I. 69 

possess all of his father's aeuteness, he certainly excels him in accuracy of ex- 
pression. His handwriting is bold and admirable. 

Kagi, secretary of war in Brown's late provisional army, figures but slightly 
among the Kansas papers. There are several letters in phonetic cipher, dated 
in 185C, addressed to him at Topeka. There is evidence that, about this time, ho 
was an occasional correspondent of the New York Tribune; but it was not till 
after the organization of the provisional government at Chatham in May 1858, 
that the late secretary of war ("J. Heurie," as he signed himself) became a 
great letter writer. 

But of all the party, Charles P. Tidd appears to have had the most extensive 
correspondence. There is nearly a half bushel of letters, from various parts of 
New England and from the Northwest, addressed to him at Springdale and Ta- 
bor, Iowa, and at Chatham, Canada West. The dates range from 1856 to Sep- 
tember 1859. Many of these letters are from Quaker ladies, if I may judge from 
the free use of " thees" and " thous" in them. Old Mother Varney, one of these 
ladies of the Quaker persuasion, seems to have taken a deep interest in Tidd's 
welfare, and to have scattered letters upon him like leaves in Vallombrosa. She 
writes about every thing and every body, and is decidedly the Dame Quickly of 
the party. A joint letter of hers and of her sou Moses, to Tidd and Whipple 
(Stephens), is given in the copied correspondence. In the latter part of Mrs- 
Varney's portion, those who are curious about such things, will find a piece of 
rhyming prose, such as was very much admired some years ago in one of Dick- 
ens' Christmas Stories. The letter, however, is chiefly valuable as showing the 
moral character of the couple to whom it was addressed. 

Tidd was originally from Maine, and like many an errant New England boy. 
seems to have had a christian mother and a gentle sweet sister, who 

"On his wandering way, 
Daily and nightly, poured a mourner's prayers." 

There are many letters from them to him, especially from his sister Elizabeth, 
filled with the tenderest and most christian-like sentiments. In wading through 
masses of papers filled with the thoughts and schemes of these bloody men and 
their backers, it was a relief to come to such expressions as these from a loving, 
hoping, trusting sister to a brother whom she appears not to have seen for years: 
"Does spring come there as early as here in New England ? Do the birds sing 
as sweetly and the brooks dance as merrily there ? Do you not miss the hills of 
old Maine ?" 

Again, after drawing home pictures, and telling him about her teaching school 
at Prentiss, and asking him when he will come back, she closes her letter as 
follows: "I must close, dear brother, the shadows of night aro lengthening, the 
deep blue of old Katahdin is growing slowly deeper and darker, and the twilight 
is coming down upon the woods and waters of New England. Good night, dear 
bub, good night !" 

But his good angel does not appear to have been always whispering in his ear; 



70 Doc. No. 1. 

for at the close of a letter about family matters, dated March 12th, 1858, is this 
addition from one who signs herself "Mary:" "Dear brother, you see the space 
allotted to me, so I must be very comprehensive. I expect you are only waiting 
for that constitution to pass the house and you are ready to take up armes against 
the slave power. Be it so. And the God of Gideou be with you, is the prayer of 
her who never expects to see you again, but hopes to meet you in that world 
where kindred spirits meet to part no more." 

Leeman's sister also wrote him beautiful letters in the most delicate of hands. 
She gave him much good advice, and asked when she should see him again. 
Whether he took her advice, or whether she will ever see him again, can best be 
answered by the waters of the Potomac, which murmur by the rock where he 
met his fate. 

J. H. Kagi, too, seems not to have been always sending and receiving warlike 
missives; for there is a letter to him, telling him about "Jinnie's" having his 
"daguerreotype," and " Nett sends her love; says she would not mind to hear a 
word from you." But this was in the Kansas days. 

After overhauling and thoroughly examining this miscellaneous mass, I proceed, 
according to your instructions, to arrange and transcribe only such papers as were 
either directly or collaterally connected with Brown's scheme for an armed inva- 
sion of the south, and more particularly with reference to his late attempt on Vir- 
ginia soil. The correspondence of him and his men on this subject, the letters of 
their friends and co-operators at a distance, some sending money and others send- 
iug sympathy, and bidding them "God's speed" — plaus, suggestions, hints, have 
all been carefully copied. Such letters or other documentary evidence, as tended 
to throw any light on the character of the meu engaged in " prospecting" for 
"coal," have been introduced. A full account of the provisional convention at 
Chatham, in May 1858 (which appears to have been the first regular organization 
of Brown's plan, although the affair had been the subject of consultation as early, 
at least, as the beginning of that year, as appears from the correspondence of 
Tidd, which has been copied), is taken from the records of their secretary Kagi, 
who wrote a good hand, and appears to have had considerable capacity for busi- 
ness, both civil and military. Their Declaration of Independence bears strong 
iuterual proof of having been the work of Brown, parodied on the colonial 
declaration, with some very original variations and interpolations by Brown him- 
self, the whole being copied by his son Owen, and fixed upon a roller, from which 
I unwound it to make the copy I have giveu. The constitution has been 
acknowledged by Brown to be his work. That and the forms of commissions 
for civil and military offices, are understood to have been printed at St. Catha- 
rine's, iu Canada West. 

Whatever paper has been copied, has been done precisely as it is in the origi- 
nal, with all the bad grammar, bad orthography, and recklessness iu the use, or 
utter disregard of, punctuation marks and capitals. 

I have endeavored to fulfill your wishes, by developing the plaus and conspi- 
racies which have but just threatened our border with all the horrors of a servile 



Doc. No. 1. 71 

war, in the language of the conspirators themselves, and to make them show 
who were their " particular friends," aiders and abettors. In doing this, I rejected 
piles of letters which might prove interesting to the sentimentalist, or to the lover 
of scandal, but which were of no other use. The work might have been more 
systematically arranged, could I have had all the correspondence before me at the 
commencement. The most interesting and pointed part of the correspondence of 
John Brown, Kagi, John Brown, jr., and of their friends, could not be placed in 
my hands till after the trial of Cook, by which time most of the other documents 
had been examined and copied. They are all in, however, though in scattered 
order. Such as it is, the whole is respectfully submitted. 

I have the honor to be, 

Your excellency's humble servant, 

HENRY HUDNALL. 
His Excellency Henry A. Wise. 



72 Doc. No. 1. 



[Copy of constitution rtferred to by Brown and other prisoners, and 06ed aa evidence in their trial. 
Adopted at Chatham, May 8th, 1838.] 

Provisional Constitution and Ordinances for the People of the United 

Slates. 

PREAMBLE. 

Whereas, Slaver?/, throughout its entire existence in the United States, is none other than a most 
barbapous, unprovoked, and unjustifiable War of one portion of its citizens upon another 
portion; the only conditions of which arc perpetual imprisonment, and hopeless servitude or 
absolute extermination; in utter disregard and violation of those eternal and self evident 
trutlis set forth in our Declarati&n of Indep&idence : Therefore, 

We, Citizens of the United States, and the Oppressed People, who, by a 
recent decision of the supreme court are declared to have no rights 
which the White Man is bound to respect ; together with all other 
people degraded by the laws thereof, do, for the time being ordain 
and establish for ourselves, the following provisional constitu- 
TION and ORDINANCES, the better to protect our Persons, Property, 
Lives, and Liberties; and to govern our actions: 

ARTICLE I. 

QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP. 

All persons of mature age, whether Proscribed, oppressed and enslaved Citizens, or of 
the Proscribed and oppressed races of the United States, who shall agree to sustain and 
enforce the Provisional Constitution and Ordinances of this organization, together with all 
minor children of such persons, shall be held to be fully entitled to protection under the 
6aine. 

ARTICLE II. 

BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT. 

The provisional government of this organization shall consist of three branches, viz :, 
Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. 

ARTICLE III. 

LEGISLATIVE. 

The legislative branch shall be a Congress or House of Representatives, composed of 
not less than five, nor more than ten members, who shall be elected by all citizens of ma 
ture age and of sound mind, connected with this organization; and who shall remain in 
office for three years, unless sooner removed for misconduct, inability, or by death. A 
majority of such members shall constitute a quorum. 

ARTICLE IV. 
EXECUTIVE. 

The executive branch of this organization shall consist of a President and Vice Presi- 
dent, who shall be chosen by the citizens or members of this organization, and each of 
whom shall hold his office for three years, unless sooner removed by death, or for inability 
or misconduct. 



Doc. No. 1. 73 



ARTICLE V. 



The judicial branch of this organization shall consist of one Chief Justice of the Su- 
preme Court, and of four Associate Judges of said court; each constituting a Circuit 
Court. They shall each be chosen in the same manner as the President, and shall continue 
in office until their places have been filled in the same manner by election of the citizeus. 
Said court shall have jurisdiction in all civil or criminal causes, arising under this consti- 
tution, except breaches of the Rules of War. 

ARTICLE VI. 

VALIDITY OF ENACTMENTS. 

All enactments of the legislative branch shall, to become valid, during the first three 
years, have the approbation of the President, and of the Commander-in-Chief of the 
Army. 

ARTICLE VII. 

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. 

A Commander-in Chief of the army shall be chosen by the President, Vice President, a 
majority of the provisional congress, and of the supreme court, and he shall receive his 
commission from the President, signed by the Vice President, the Chief Justice of the 
supreme court, and the Secretary of War: and he shall hold his office for three years, 
unless removed by death, or on proof of incapacity or misbehavior. He shall, unless un- 
der arrest, (and until his place is actually filled as provided for by this constitution) direct 
all movements of the army, and advise with any allies. He shall however, be tried, re- 
moved or punished, on complaint to the President, by, at least, three general officers, or a 
majority of the House of Representatives, or of the supreme court; which House of 
Representatives, (the President presiding,) the Vice President, and the members of the 
supreme court, shall constitute a court-martial, for his trial ; with power to remove or 
punish, as the case may require; and to fill his place a6 above provided. 

ARTICLE VIII. 



A Treasurer, Secretary of State, Secretary of War, and Secretary of the Treasury, shall 
each be chosen for the first three years, in the same way and manner as the Commander- 
in-chief; subject to trial or removal on complaint of the President, Vice President, or 
Commander-in-chief, to the Chief Justice of the supreme court; or on complaint of tho 
majority of the members of said court, or the provisional congress. The supreme court 
shall have power to try or punish either of those officers; and their places shall be filled 
an before. 

ARTICLE IX. 

SECRETARY OF WAR. 

The Secretary of War shall be under the immediate direction of the Commander-in- 
chief; who may temporarily fill his place, in case of arrest, or of any inability to serve. 
10 






74 Doc. No. 1. 



ARTICLE X. 

CONGRESS OR HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 

The House of Representatives sli all make ordinances providing for the appointment 
(by the President or otherwise) of all civil officers, excepting those already named; and 

shall have power to make all laws and ordinances for the general good, not inconsistent 
with this constitution and these ordinances. 

ARTICLE XL 

APPROPRIATION OF MONEY, &C. 

The provisional congress shall have power to appropriate money or other properly ac- 
tually in the hands of the Treasurer, to any object calculated to promote the general good, 
so far as may be consistent with the provisions of this constitution; and may in certain 
cases, appropriate, for a moderate compensation of agents, or persons not members of 
this organization, for important service they are known to have rendered. 

ARTICLE XIL 

SPECIAL DUTIES, 

It shall be the duty of Congress to provide for the instant removal of any civil officer or 
policeman, who becomes habitually intoxicated, or who is addicted to other immoral con- 
duct, or to any neglect or unfaithfulness in the discharge of his official duties. Congress 
shall also be a standing committee of Safety, for the purpose of obtaining important in- 
formation: and shall be in constant communication with the Commander-in-chief; the 
members of which shall each, as also the President, Vice President, members of the su- 
preme court, and Secretary of State, have full power to issue warrants returnable as Con- 
gress shall ordain, (naming witnesses, &c.,) upon their own information, without the for- 
mality of a complaint. Complaint shall be immediately made after arrest, and before 
trial; the party arrested to be served with a copy at once. 

ARTICLE XIII. 

TRIAL OF PRESIDENT AND OTHER OFFICERS, 

The President and Vice President may either of them be tried, removed or punished, 
on complaint made to the Chief Justice of the supreme court, by a majority of the House 
of Representatives; which house, together with the Associate Judges of the Supreme 
Court, the whole to be presided over by the Chief Justice in cases of the trial of the Vice 
President, shall have full power to try such officers, to remove, or punish as the case may 
require ; and to fill any vacancy so occurring, the same as in case of the Commander-in- 
chief 

ARTICLE XIV. 

TRIAL OF MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. 

The members of the House of Representatives may any and all of them be tried, and 
on conviction, removed or punished on complaint before the Chief Justice of the supremo 
court, made by any number of the members of said house, exceeding one third ; which 
house, with the Vice President and Associate Judges of the supreme court, shall constitute 
the proper tribunal, with power to fill such vacancies. 



Doc. No. 1. 75 



'ARTICLE XV. 
IMPEACHMENT OF JUDGES. 

Any member of the supreme court may also be impeached, tried, convicted or punished 
by removal or otherwise, on complaint to the President, who shall in such case, preside; 
the Vice President, House of Representatives, and other members of the supreme court, 
constituting the proper tribunal: (with power to fill vacancies;) on complaint of a ma- 
jority of said house of representatives, or of the supreme court; a majority of the whole 
baring power to decide. 

ARTICLE XVI. 

DUTIES OF PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY OF STATE. 

The President, with the Secretary of State, shall immediately upon entering on the 
duties of their office, give special attention to secure, from amongst their own people, men 
of integrity, intelligence and good business habits, and capacity; and above all, of firstrate 
moral and religious character and influence, to act as civil officers of every description 
and grade, as well as teachers, chaplains, physicians, surgeons, mechanics, agents of every 
description, clerks and messengers. They shall make special efforts to induce at the 
earliest possible period, persons and families of that description, to locate themselves 
within the limits secured by this organization; and shall, moreover, from time to time, 
supply the names and residence of such persons to the congress, for their special notice 
and information, as among the most important of their duties, and the President is hereby 
authorized and empowered to afford special aid to such individuals, from such moderate 
appropriations as the Congress shall be able and may deem it advisable to make fur that 
object. The President and Secretary of State, and in cases of disagreement, the Vice 
President, shall appoint all civil officers, but shall not have power to remove any officer. 
All removals shall be the result of a fair trial, whether civil or military. 

ARTICLE XVII. 
FURTHER DUTIES. 

It shall be the duty of the President and Secretary of State, to find out (as soon as pos- 
sible) the real friends, as well as enemies of this organization in every part of the country ; 
to secure among them, innkeepers, private postmasters, private mail-contractors, mes- 
Bengers and agents: through whom may be obtained correct and regular information, con- 
stantly; recruits for the service, places of deposit and sale; together with all needed sup- 
lilies : and it shall be matter of special regard to secure such facilities through the North- 
ern States. 

ARTICLE XVIII. 

DUTY OF THE PRESIDENT. 

It shall be the duty of the President, as well as the House of Representatives, at all 
times to inform the Commander-in-chief of any matter that may require his attention, or 
that may affect the public safety. 

ARTICLE XIX. 
DUTY OF PRESIDENT — CONTINUED. 

It shall be the duty of the President to seo that the provisional ordinances of this or- 
ganization, and those made by the Congress, are promptly and faithfully executed; and he 



76 Doc. No. 1. 

may in cases of great urgency call on the Commander-in-chief of the army, or other offi- 
cers for aid ; it being however intended that a sufficient civil police shall always be in 
readiness to secure implicit obedience to law. 

ARTICLE XX. 
THE VICE PRESIDENT. 

The Vice President shall be the presiding officer of the provisional congress; and in 
cases of tie shall give the casting vote. 

ARTICLE XXI. 

VACANCIES. 

In case of the death, removal, or inability of the President, the Vice President, and next 
to him the Chief Justice of the supreme court shall be the President during the remainder 
of the term : and the place of the Chief Justice thus made vacant shall be filled by Con- 
gress from some of the members of said court; and the places of the Vice President and 
Associate Justice thus made vacant, filled by an election by the united action of the Pro- 
visional Congress and members of the supreme court. All other vacancies, not hereto- 
fore specially provided for, shall during the first three years, be filled by the united action 
of the President, Vice President, Supreme Court and Commander-in chief of the Army. 

ARTICLE XXII. 
PUNISHMENT OF CRIMES. 

The punishment of crimes not capital, except in case of insubordinate convicts or other 
prisoners, shall be, (so far as may be,) by hard labor on the public works, roads, &c. 

ARTICLE XXIII. 
ARMY APPOINTMENTS. 

It shall be the duty of all commissioned officers of the army, to name candidates of 
merit for office or elevation to the Commander-in chief, who, with the Secretary of War, 
and, in cases of disagreement, the President shall be the appointing power of the army : 
and all commissions of military officers shall bear the signatures of the Commander-in- 
chief and the Secretary of War. And it shall be the special duty of the Secretary of 
War to keep for constant reference of the Commander-in-chief a full list of names of 
pejrsons nominated for office, or elevation, by the officers of the army, witli the name and 
rank of the officer nominating, 'stating distinctly but briefly the grounds for such notice or 
nomination. The Commander-in-chief shall not have power to remove or punish any 
officer or soldier; but he may order their arrest and trial at any time, by court-martial. 

ARTICLE XXIV. 

COURTS MARTIAL. 

Courts martial for Companies, Regiments, Brigades, &c, shall bo called by the chief 
officer of each command, on complaint, to him by any officer, or any five privates, in such 
command, and shall consist of not less than five nor more than nine officers, non-commis- 
sioned officers and privates, one-half of whom shall not be lower in rank than the person 
on trial, to be chosen by the three highest officers in the command, which officers shall not 
be a part of such court. The chief officer of any command shall of course bo tried by a 
court martial of the command above his own. All decisions affecting the lives of persons, 



Doc. No. 1. 77 

or office of persons holding commission must, before taking full effect have the signature of 
the Commander-in-chief, who may also, on the recommendation of at least one-third of the 
members of the court martial finding any sentence, grant a reprieve or commutation of 
the same. 

ARTICLE XXV. 



No person connected with this organization shall be entitled to any salary, pay or emolu- 
ment, other than a competeut support of himself and family, unless it be from an equal 
dividend, made of public property, on the establishment of peace, or of special provision 
by treaty ; which provision shall be made for all persons who may have been in any active 
civil or military service at any time previous to any hostile action for Liberty and Equality. 

ARTICLE XXVI. 

TREATIES OF PEACE. 

Before any treaty of peace shall take full effect, it shall be signed by the President aud 
Vice President, the Commander in-chief, a majority of the House of Representatives, a 
majority of the supreme court, and majority of all the general officers of the army. 

ARTICLE XXVII. 

DUTY OP THE MILITARY. 

It shall be the duty of the Commander-in-chief, and all officers and soldiers of the army, 
to afford special protection when needed, to Congress, or any member thereof; to the su - 
preme court, or any member thereof; to the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secre- 
tary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, and Secretary of War; and to afford general 
protection to all civil officers, or other persons having right to the same. 

ARTICLE XXVIII. 

PROPERTY. 

All captured or confiscated property, and all property the product of the labor of those 
belonging to this organization and of their families, shall be held as the property of the 
whole, equally, without distinction ; and may be used for the common benefit, or disposed 
of for the same objeet; and any person, officer or otherwise, who shall improperly retain, 
secrete, use, or needlessly destroy such property, or property found, captured or confis- 
cated, belonging to the enemy, or shall willfully neglect to render a full and fair statement 
of such property by him so taken or held, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and 
on conviction, shall be punished accordingly. 

ARTICLE XXIX. 

SAFETY OR INTELLIGENCE FUND. 

All money, plate, watches or jewelry, captured by honorable warfare, found, taken, or 
confiscated, belonging to the enemy, shall be held sacred, to constitute a liberal safety or 
intelligence fund; and any person who shall improperly retain, dispose of, hide, use, or 
destroy such money or other article above named, contrary to this provisions and spirit of 
this article, shall be deemed guilty of theft; and on conviction thereof, shall be punished 
accordingly. The Treasurer shall furnish the Commander-in-chief at all times with a full 
statement of the condition of such fund, and its nature. 



78 Doc. No. 1. 



ARTICLE XXX. 
THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF AND THE TREASURY". 

The Commander-in chief shall have power to draw from the treasury, the money ami 
other property of the fund provided for in Article twenty ninth, but his orders shall bo 
signed also by the Secretary of War, who shall keep strict account of the same; subject 
to examination by any member of Congress, or general officer. 

ARTICLE XXXI. 
SURPLUS OF THE SAFETY OR INTELLIGENCE FUND. 

It shall be the duty of the Commander-in-chief to advise the President of any Surplus 
of the Safety and Intelligence Fund ; who shall have power to draw such Surplus, (his- 
order being also signed by the Secretary of State,) to enable him to carry out the provi- 
sions of Article Seventeenth.. 

ARTICLE XXXII. 

PRISONERS. 

No person, after having surrendered himself or herself a prisoner, and who shall pro- 
perly demean himself or herself as such, to any officer or private connected with this or- 
ganization, shall afterward be put to death, or be subjected to any corporeal punishment, 
without first having had the benefit of a fair and impartial trial: nor shall any prisoner be 
treated with any kind of cruelty, disrespect, insult, or needless severity: but i!s shall be 
the duty of all persons, male and female, connected herewith, at all times and under all 
circumstances, to treat all such prisoners with every degree of respect and kindness the 
nature of the circumstances will admit of; and to insist on a like course of conduct from 
all others, as in the fear of Almighty God, to whose care and keeping we commit our 
cause. 

ARTICLE XXXIII. 

VOLUNTARIES. 

All persons who may come forward and shall voluntarily deliver up their slaves, and 
have their names registered on the Books of the organization, shall, so long as they con- 
tinue at peace, be entitled to the fullest protection of person and property, though not 
connected with this organization, and shall be treated as friends, and not merely as persons 
neutral. 

ARTICLE XXXIY. 

NEUTRALS. 

The persons and property of all non-slaveholders who shall remain absolutely neutral, 
shall be respected so far as the circumstances can allow of it ; but they shall not be en- 
titled to any active protection. 

ARTICLE XXXV. 

NO NEEDLESS WASTE. 

The needless waste or destruction of any useful property or article, by fire, throwing 
open of fences, fields, buildings, or needless killing of animals, or injury of either, shall 
not bo tolerated at any time or place, but shall be promptly and properly punished. 



Doc. No. 1. 79 



ARTICLE XXXVI. 

1'ROrERTY CONFISCATED. 



The entire personal and real property of all persons known to be acting either directly 
<or indirectly with or for the enemy, or found in arms with them, or found wilfully holding 
slaves, shall be confiscated and taken, whenever and wherever it may be found, in either 
Free or Slave States. 



ARTICLE XXXVII. 

DESERTION. 

Persons convicted, on impartial trial, of desertion to the enemy after becoming mem- 
bers, acting as spies, or of treacherous surrender of property, arms, ammunition, provi- 
sions, or supplies of any kind, roads, bridges, persons, or fortifications, shall be put to 
death and their entire property confiscated. 

ARTICLE XXXVIII. 

VIOLATION OF PAROLE OF HONOR. 

Persoas proven to be guilty of taking up arms after having been set at liberty on parole 
of honor, or after the same, to have taken any active part with or for the enemy, direct or 
indirect, shall be put to death and their entire property confiscated. 

ARTICLE XXXIX. 

ALL MUST LABOR. 

All persons connected in any way with this organization, and who may be entitled to full 
protection under it: shall be held as under obligation to labor in some way for the general 
good ; and persons refusing, or neglecting so to do, shall on conviction receive a suitable 
and appropriate punishment. 

ARTICLE XL. 

IRREGULARITIES. 

Profane swearing, filthy conversation, indecent behavior, or indecent exposure of the 
person, or intoxication, or quarreling, shall not be allowed, or tolerated; neither unlawful 
intercourse of the sexes. 

ARTICLE XLI. 

CRIMES. 

Persons convicted of the forcible violation of any female prisoner, shall be put to death. 

ARTICLE XLII. 

THE MARRIAGE RELATION — SCHOOLS— THE SABBATH. 

The marriage relation shall be at all times respected ; and families kept together as far 
as possible; and broken families encouraged to re-unite, and intelligence offices established 
for that purpose, schools and churches established as soon as may be ; for the purpose of 
religious and other instructions; and the first day of the week regarded as a day of rest- 
aad appropriated to moral and religious instruction and improvement ; relief of the suffer 



80 Doc. No. 1. 

ing, instruction of the young and ignorant, and the encouragement of personal cleanliness; 
nor shall any persons be required on that day to perform ordinary manual labor, unless in 
extremely urgent cases. 

ARTICLE XLIII. 

CARRY ARMS OPENLY. 

All persons known to be of good character, and of sound mind, and suitable age, who 
are connected with this organization, whether male or female, shall be encouraged to carry 
arms openly. 

ARTICLE XLIV. 

NO PERSON TO CARRY CONCEALED WEAPONS. 

No person within the limits of the conquered territory, except regularly appointed police ^ 
men, express officers of the army, mail carriers, or other fully accredited messengers of 
the Congress, President, Vice President, members of the supreme court, or commissioned 
officer of the army — and those only under peculiar circumstances — shall be allowed, at any 
time, to carry concealed weapons; and any person not specially authorized so to do, who 
shall be found so doing, shall be deemed a suspicious person, and may at once be arrested 
by any officer, soldier, or citizen, without the formality of a Complaint or Warrant, and 
may, at once be subjected to thorough search, and shall have his or her case thoroughly in- 
vestigated ; and be dealt with as circumstances, on proof, shall require. 

ARTICLE XLV. 

PERSONS TO BE SEIZED. 

Persons within the limits of the territory holden by this organization, not connected with 
this organization, having arms at all, concealed or otherwise, shall be seized at ouce; or 
be taken in charge of some vigilant officer ; and their case thoroughly investigated : and 
it shall be the duty of all citizens and soldiers, as well as officers, to arrest such parties as 
are named in this and the preceding Section or Article, without the formality of Complaint 
or Warrant; and they shall be placed in charge of some proper officer for examination, or 
for safe keeping. 

ARTICLE XL VI. 

THESE ARTICLES NOT FOR THE OVERTHROW OF GOV'MT. 

The foregoing Articles shall not bo construed so as in any way to encourage the over- 
throw of any State Government, or of the General Government of the United States : and 
look to no dissolution of the Union, but simply to Amendment and Repeal. And our Flag 
shall be the same that our Fathers fought under in the Revolution. 

ARTICLE XL VII. 

NO PLURALITY OF OFFICES. 

No two of the offices specially provided for, by this Instrument, shall be filled by the 
same person, at the same time. 

ARTICLE XLVIII. 

OATH. 

Every officer, civil or military, connected with this organization, shall, before entering 



Doc. No. 1. 81 

upon the duties of his office, make solemn oath or affirmation, to abide by and support this 
Provisional Constitution and these Ordinances. Also, every Citizen and Soldier, before 
being fully recognized as such, shall do the same. 

SCHEDULE. 

The President of this Convention shall convene, immediately, on the adoption of this in- 
strument, a convention of all such persons as shall have given their adherence, -by signa- 
ture, to the constitution ; who shall proceed to fill by election all offices specially named 
in said constitution, the President of this convention presiding, and issuing commissions to 
such officers elect : all such officers being thereafter elected in the manner provided in the 
body of this instrument. 



11 



82 Doc. No. 1. 

[ Presented with respectful and kind feelings to the officers and soldiers of the United States army in Kansas.] 

No. 1. 

THE DUTY OF THE SOLDIER. 

In the ancient republics every man capable of bearing arras was, up to a cer- 
tain period of his life, bound in duty to the public to fill his place in the ranks of 
the soldiery to secure his country against invasion or insult. The mode of war- 
fare in remote times differed considerably from that adopted in the present day — 
man fought chiefly with those weapons which brought him into hand to hand 
collision with his enemy, hence his military instruction was rather in the manage- 
ment of arms than the application of tactics, and the chiefs studied stratagems 
rather than strategy. When the war or expedition upon which he had been en- 
gaged was terminated, he returned to his civic occupations and his home, till 
some new exigency called him again into military service. The word soldier in 
ancient republics was synonymous with Freeman — for in assuming his armor the 
man did not engage to confine his mind in a straight-jacket. Indeed there are 
instances in ancient history in which the soldiery in camp was consulted on pub- 
lic affairs, and gave its vote on the great question of Right against WfxOng — and 
in some cases the soldiers was the first part of a nation to proclaim the supre- 
macy of Right. Nevertheless in all military duties, those same intelligent sol- 
diers desirous of conquering the foreign enemy shewed, when in his presence, 
(implicit obedience to their military chiefs. 

The soldiery of the Princes of antiquity was very different from the republican 
warriors. The tyrants were necessitated to keep an armed force in coustant 
readiness to uphold their authority at home as well as abroad, and they did exact 
that the myrmidons in their pay should unhesitatingly execute all the commands 
of their ministers with the same obedience with which the republican soldiery 
attended to those orders only which were purely military. As the era of despo- 
tism extended and the limits of Liberty became proportionably circumscribed, 
the habit of obeying all commands, civil and military, became more usual among 
the soldiery. 

Time rolled on till despotism aided by priestcraft, corruption and party rapa- 
city supplanted the republics. The invention of gunpowder, though it overthrew 
the feudal system of the Barons, operated on the other hand against the People, 
for the increased precision and promptitude required in modem military manceu- 
vers, necessitated a lengthened training for the soldiery, which served as a pre- 
teuce for wicked rulers to inculcate in the minds of the soldiers the idea that they 
were living machines. Moreover the cunning artifice of indirect taxation and of 
national loans enabled the despotic governments to maintain large permanent 
armies of those living machines to stifle Right and to perpetuate Wrong — for 
such the soldiers have proved themselves to be under despotism, and as such they 
are regarded by the oppressed populations: but should the soldiery of a Republic 
he vile living mach ines ? 



Doc. No. 1. 83 

Two main points we have to analyse iu this investigation — the first is Right, 
and the next is Authority. 

Right is that which is good, true, just, honorable, humane, self-sacrificing — it 
is the precise opposite to Wrong. Right is immutable: as it was, so it is, and 
so it always must be. Circumstances cannot change it. It never was right to 
lie, cheat, oppress, rob, murder — it never can be right to do so — no legal subter- 
fuge, no oratory, no public or private engagements, no theological interpretations, 
no arbitrary laws, no governmental orders, no military commands can transform 
Wrong into Right. Oppression may trample under foot the devotees of Right — 
may calumniate, pillage, imprison and eveu butcher them — yet that will not alter 
Right, though Wrong may be made more hideous. The weaker disciples of 
Right may quail and hesitate before dangers, privations and sufferings — some 
indeed may abandon Right — yet Right itself cannot alter, though it may shine 
more beautiful under persecution. Between Right and Wrong there can be no 
compromise. 

Authority is of two sorts: Legitimate and Illegitimate. 

Legitimate Authority is based on Reason and Equity; it must spring from and 
always be controled by the People; its object is the benefit of the People by the 
maintenance of justice, the diffusion of education and knowledge, the advance- 
ment of civilization, the repression of violence, the reclamation of vice and the 
development of Humanity. Though authority may be filched through a Party 
phrensied by some delusion, eveu that power would not be legitimate, for no por- 
tion of any nation cau annul the Rights of man — no majority can rightfully sacri- 
fice the freedom and well-being of any oue fellow man or of posterity. Man 
cannot take or give that which is not his. The test therefore of Legitimate Au- 
thority is Right, and to maintain that authority soldiers are not required to be 
mere living machines. 

Illegitimate authority is founded on fraud and violence : it is created by a despot 
an oligarchy, or the leaders of a party, and is used for the benefit of some usurpa- 
tion. Under the plausible pretext of acting for the public good, of repelling some 
enemy, of checking party rancor, of maintaining law and order purposely dis- 
turbed ; illegitimate authority has frequently been established in formerly happy 
communities, and the usurpation having seized the reins of government has hoped 
to perpetuate its domination by the distribution of lucrative offices and by the 
hiring of living machines. The dominant party may boast, rejoice, and fatten, 
while mercenary scribes and orators flatter : but under such misrule the nation 
degenerates, violence becomes habitual, ignorance prevails, want nurtures crime, 
the tribunals become corrupt, vice revels and virtue is persecuted, the people 
awaking under the smart of despotism soon realize the difficulty of self-emanci- 
pation while ground down by the living machines set in motion by illigitimate 
authority. Will the soldiery of a republic cousent to become living machines, and 
thus sustain Wrong against Right ? 

It is self-evident that "There can exist no moral obligation to do that which is 
immoral — no virtuous obligation to do that which is vicious — no religious obliga- 



84 Doc. No. 1. 

tion to do that which is irreligious." It is also self-evident that every citizen is in 
duty bound to sustain Right even though he thereby neglect temporarily some of 
his private business : he who regards his personal interests as of more importance 
to him than to exercise a watchfulness at all times for the public good and for the 
security of Right against Wrong, fails in an essential duty towards the common- 
wealth. The Greeks decreed that all guilty of such neglect of duty were infa- 
mous : they were deprived of that citizenship which they had shown themselves 
unworthy to enjoy, their property which they had preferred to the public welfare 
was confiscated, and they were reduced to the lowest state of degradation. 



Doc. No. 1. 85 



Blank Form of Commission under the Provisional Government. 

GREETING; 

Whereas: has been duly chosen in accordance 

with the provisions of the schedule of the provisional constitution: 

Therefore: by the authority vested in me by said instrument, I hereby com- 
mission the said under said constitution. 

Witness my hand and the seal of the convention, at this day of 

in the year eighteen hundred and fifty-eight. 

Pres. of the Convention. 



86 Dec. No. 1. 



Smith fy Wesson's Scue?i Shooter* 

J. W. Storrs, agent, 121 Chambers St., N. Y. This pistol is the lightest one in 
the world that has force. Weight only ten ounces. Is loaded quicker than other 
pistols are capped. Is sure fire under all circumstances. No injury is caused to 
the arm or amunition, by allowing it to reraaiu loaded any length of time. Is 
so simple in its construction that it is not liable to get out of order. Is perfectly 
safe to carry. The cylinder holds seven shots, two more than other small pistols. 



Doc. No. 1. 87 



THE BROWN PAPERS, 

Consisting of the Journal of the Constitutional Convention at Chatham, 
Canada W.; Brown's Declaration of Independence ; KagVs Draft for 
a Provisional Army; Correspondence and Plans of Brown's Men; 
Letters from their friends, and from persons furnishing means; Memo- 
randa, Hints and Suggestions ; Extracts from Letters, Diaries and 
Journals ; Commissions issued under the Provisional Army Regida- 
tions ; Lists of Members of the Provisional Convention, and Govern- 
ment, §'c. Sfc. — Coined from the Originals at Charlestown, by order of 
the Executive Department of the State of Virginia, — Nov. 16(h, 1S59. 



Journal of the Provisional Constitutional Convention held on Saturday, May 8, 

1858. 

Chatham, Canada West, 

Saturday, May 8, 1858. 

10 A. M. — Convention met in pursuance to call of John Broun and others, and 
was called to order hy Mr. Jackson, on whose motion Mr. Wm. C. Monroe was 
chosen President : 

When, on motion of Mr. Brown, Mr. J. H. Kagi was elected Secretary. 

On motion of Mr. Del any, Mr. Brown then proceeded to state the object of the 
convention, at length, and then to explain the general features of the plan of ac- 
tion in the execution of the project in view by the Convention. Mr. Delany and 
others spoke in favor of the project and the plan, and both were agreed to by 
general consent. 

Mr. Brown then presented a plan of organization, entitled "Provisional Con- 
stitution and Ordinances for the People of the United States," and moved the 
reading of the same. 

Mr. Kinnard objected to the reading until an oath of secrecy be taken by each 
member of the Convention. Whereupon, 

Mr. Delany moved that the following parole of honor be taken by all members 
of the Convention : "I solemnly affirm that I will not in any way divulge any of 



88 Doc. No. 1. 

the secrets of this convention, except to persons entitled to know the same, on 
tlie pain of forfeiting the respect and protection of this Organization;" which 
motion was carried. 

The President then proceeded to administer the obligation, After which 

The question was taken on the reading of plan proposed by Mr. Brown, and 
the same carried. 

The plan was then read by the Secretary. After which 

On motion of Mr. Whipple, it was ordered that it be now read by articles, for 
consideration. 

The articles from one to forty-five inclusive, were then read and adopted. On 
the reading of the forty-sixth, Mr. Reynolds moved to strike out the same. Rey- 
nolds spoke in favor, and Brown, Monroe, Owen Brown, Delany, Realf, Kinnard 
and Kagi, against. The question was then taken and lost, there being but one 
vote in the affirmative. 

The article was then adopted. The forty-seventh and forty-eighth Articles, 
with the Schedule, were then adopted in the same manner. 

It was then moved by Mr. Delany that ihc Title and Preamble stand as read, 
Carried. 

On motion of Mr. Kagi the Constitution as a whole was then unauimously 
adopted. 

The Convention then, at li P. M., adjourned, on motion of Mr. Jackson, till 3 
o'clock. 



3 P. M. — Journal read and approved. 

On motion of Mr. Delany it was then ordered that those approving of the 
Constitution, as adopted, sign the same. Whereupon the names of all the mem- 
bers were appended. [See No. [91] .] 

After congratulatory remarks by Messrs. Kinnard and Delany, the convention, 
on motion of Mr. Whipple, adjourned, at a quarter to 4. 

J. H. KAGI, 

Sec. of the Convention, 



Chatham, Canada West, 

Saturday, May 8, 1858. 

6 P. M. — In accordance with and obedience to the provisions of the Schedule 
to the Constitution for the " proscribed and oppressed people" of the United 



Doc. No. 1. 89 

States of America to day adopted at this place, a Convention was called by the 
President of the Convention framing that instrument, and met at the above named 
hour, for the purpose of electing officers to fill the offices specially established and 
named by said Constitution. 

The Convention was called to order by Mr. M. R. Delany, upon whose nomi- 
nation Mr. Wra. C. Muuroe was chosen President, and Mr. J. II. Kagi, Secretary. 

A committee consisting of Messrs. Whipple, Kagi, Bell, Cook and Muuroe, 
was then chosen to select candidates for the various offices to be filled, for the 
consideration of the Convention. 

On reporting progress and asking leave to set again, the request was refused, 
and the Committee discharged. 

On motion of Mr. Bell the Convention then went into the election of officers, 
in the following manner and order. 

Mr. Whipple nominated John Brown for Commander in Chief, who was, on 
the seconding of Mr. Delany, elected by acclamation. 

Mr. Realf nominated J. H. Kagi for Secretary of War, who was elected in the 
same manner. 

On motion of Mr. Brown the Convention then adjourned to 9 A. M. on Monday, 
the 10th. 



Monday, May 10, 1858. 
9 A. M. — The proceedings of Convention on Saturday were read and approved. 

The President announced that the business before the Convention was the fur- 
ther election of officers. 

Mr. Whipple nominated Thomas M. Kinard for President. In a speech of 
some length Mr. Kinard declined. 

Mr. Anderson nominated J. W. Loguen for the same office. The nomination 
was afterwards withdrawn, Mr. Loguen not being present, and it being announced 
that he would not serve if elected. 

Mr. Brown then moved to postpone the election of President for the present. 
Carried. 

The Convention then went into the election of Members of Congress. Messrs, 
Alfred M. Ellsworth and Osborn Anderson were elected. 
12 



90 Doc. No. 1. 

After which the Convention went into the election of Secretary of State, to 
which office Richard Realf was chosen. 

Whereupon the Convention adjourned to 2£ P. M» 



2£ P. M. — Convention again assembled, and weut iuto a balloting for the elec- 
tion of Treasurer and Secretary of the Treasury. Owen Brown was elected as 
the former, and George B. Gill as the latter. 

The following resolution was then introduced by Mr. Brown, and unanimously 
passed : 

Resolved, that John Brown, J. H. Kagi, Richard Realf, L. F. Parsons, C. P. 
Tidd, E. Whipple, C. W. Moffet, John E. Cook, Owen Brown, Steward Taylor, 
Osborn Auderson, A. M. Ellsworth, Richard Richardson, W. H. Leeman, and 
John Lawrence, be, and are hereby appointed a Committee to whom is delegated 
the power of the Convention to fill by election all the offices specially named in 
the Provisional Constitution which may be vacant after the adjournment of this 
Convention. The Convention then adjourned sine die. 

J. II. KAGI, 

Sec. of the Convention. 

[See No. [78] J. 



IIkad Quarters, War Department Provisional Army, 
Harpers Ferry, Oct. 10, 1850. 

General Order?. 

No. 1. 

Organization. 

The Divisions of the Prov. Army and the coalition are hereby established as 
follows. 

1. — Company. 

A company will consist of 56 privates, 12 non. com. off 's. (8 corporals, 4 ser- 
geauts,) 3 com. off. ( 2 Lieutenants, a Captain) and a Surgeon. 

The privates shall be divided into Bands or messes of 7 each, numbering from 
t to 8, with a corporal to each, numbered like his baud. 



Doc. No. 1. 91 

Two Bands will compiise a Section. Sections will be numbered from 1 to 4. 
A Sergeant will be attached to each section, and numbered like it. 

Two Sections will comprise a Platoon. Platoons will be numbered 1 aud two, 
and each commanded by a lieutenant designated by like number. 

2. — Battalion. 

The Battalion will consist of 4 companies complete. 

The commissioned officers of the Battalion will be a Chief of Battalion, aud a 
1st & 2nd major, one of whom shaJl be attached to each wing. 

3. — The Regiment. 

The Regimeut will consist of 4 Battalions complete. 

The commissioned officers of the Regiment will be a Colonel and 2 Lieute- 
nant Colonels, attached to the wings. 

4. — The Brigade. 

The Brigade will consist of 4 Regiments complete. 

The Coin missioned officers of the Brigade will be a General of Brigade. 

5. — Each Gen. Staff. 

Each of the above Divisions will be entitled to a General Staff consisting of 
an adjutant, a commissary, a musician and a surgeon. 

6. — Appointment. 

Non commissioned officers will be chosen by those whom they are to command. 

Commissioned officers will be appointed and commissioned by this Department. 

The staff officers of each Division will be appointed by the respective com- 
manders of the same. 

[See No. [ ]. — Transcriber.] 

[The above document numbered "2," is in the handwriting of J. H. Kagi. 
The erasures and cross-marks are copied from the original. — Note by transcriber.] 



92 Doc. No. I. 

[3.] 



4th, 1859. 



A Declaration of Liberty By the Representatives of the Slave Population of the 
United States of America. 

" When in the course of human events, it hecomes necessary" for an op- 
pressed People to Rise, and assert their Natural Rights, as Human Beings, as 
Native and Mutual Citizens of a free Republic, and break that odious Yoke of 
oppression, which is so unjustly laid upon them by their fellow countrymen, " and 
to assume among the powers of Earth the same equal privileges to which the 
Laws of Nature, & natures God entitle, them ; A moderate respect for the 
opinions of Man kind, requires that they should declare the causes which incite 
them to this Just & worthy action. 

"We hold these truths to be Self Evident; That all Men are created Equal ; 
That they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. That 
among these are Life, Liberty ; & the pursuit of happiness, That Nature hath 
freely given to all Men, a full supply of Air, Water, and Land; for their susti- 
nance, & mutual happiness. That No Man has any right to deprive his fellow 
Man, of these Inherent rights, except in punishment of crime. "That to secure 
these rights governments are instituted among men, deriving their Just powers 
from the consent of the governed, That when any form of government, becomes 
destructive to these ends, It is the right of the People, to alter, Amend, or Re- 
moddel it, Laying its foundation on such Principles, & organizing its powers in 
such form as to them shall seem most likely to effect the safety, & happiness" 
of the Human Race, To secure equal rights, privileges, & Justice to all ; Irrespec- 
tive of Sex ; or Nation; To secure Fraternal kindness to all Friends of Equal 
Moral privileges, to all who honestly abandon their Despotic oppressive rule. We 
hold this truth to be self evident; That it is the highest Privilege, & Plain duty 
of Man ; to strive in every reasonable way, to promote the Happiness, Mental. 
Moral, & Physical elevation of his fellow Man. And that People, or Clanish 
Oppressors; who wickedly violate this sacred principle; oppressing their fellow 
Men, will bring upon themselves that certain and fearful retribution, which is the 
Natural, & Necessary penalty of evil Doing. "Prudence, indeed will dictate, 
that Governments long established, should not be changed for light & transient 
causes; Rut when a long train of abuses, & usurpations, pursuing invariably 
the same object; evinces a design to perpetuate an absolute Despotism; and 
most cruel bondage; It is their Right, it is their Duty, to resist & change 
such Government, & provide safeguards for their future Liberty." "Such has 
been the patient sufferance of the slaves of the United States, and such is now 
tho necessity which constrains them to Crush this foul system of oppression. 

The history of Slavery in the United States, is a history of injustice and cruel- 
ties inflicted upon the Slave iu every conceivable way, and in barbarity not sur- 
passed by the most savage Tribes. It is the embodiment of all that is Evil, and 
ruinous to a Nation; and subvercive of all Good. "In proof of which; facts 



Doc. No. 1. 93 

innumerable have been submitted to the People, and have rec'd the verdict and 
condemnation of a candid and Impartial World." Our Servants: Members of 
Congress; and other Servants of the People, who receive exorbitant wages' 
from the People; in return for ther unjust Rule, ''have refused to pass laws for 
the accommodation of large districts of People, unless that People, would relin- 
quish the right of representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them, 
and formidable to tyrants only. Our President and other Leeches have called 
together legislative, or treasonable Bodies, at places unusual, uncomfortable, and 
distaut from the depository of our public records; for the sole purpose of fatigue- 
ing us into compliance with their measures. They have desolved Representative 
houses, for opposing with manly firmness, their invasions of the rights of the 
people. 

They have refused to grant Petitions presented by numerous and respectable 
Citizens, asking redress of grivances imposed upon us, demanding our Liberty 
and natural rights. With contempt they spurn our humble petitions; and have 
failed to pass laws for our relief. "They have prevented in all possible ways, 
the administration of Justice to the Slave. They have made Judges Taney de- 
pendent on their will alone, for the tenure, of their office, and the amount and 
payment of their salaries. They have erected a Multitude of new offices, and 
Sent on Swarms of Blood Suckers, and Moths, to harass the People, and eat out 
their Substance. They have effected to render the Military, independent of, and 
superior to the power and wishes of the People, (the Civil power.) Claiming 
that knowledge is power, they have, (for their own safety,) kept us in total dark- 
ness, and Ignorance, inflicting base cruelties, for any attempt on our part to ob- 
tain knowledge. They have protected base Men, Pirates (eugaged in a most In- 
human traffic; The Foreign; and Domestic, Slave Trade.) "by mock trials, from 
punishment, for unprovoked murders which they have committed upon us, and 
free Citizens of the States. They have prevented by law, our having any Traf- 
fick or deal with our fellow Men; Regardless of our wishes, they declare them- 
selves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever. They have 
abdicated government among us, by declaring us out of their protection, and 
waging a worse than cruel war upon us continually. 

The facts and a full description of the enormous sin of Slavery, may be found 
in the General History of Americau Slavery, which is a history of repeated inju- 
ries, of base hypocracy; A cursed treasonable, usurpation; The most abominable 
provoking atrocities; Which are but a mockery of all that is Just, or worthy of 
any people. " Such cruelty, tyrany, and perfidy, has hardly a parallel, in the 
history of the most barbarous ages. 

Our Servants, or Law makers ; are totally unworthy the name of Half Civilized 
Men. All their National acts, (which apply to Slavery,) are false, to the Avoids 
Spirit, and intention, of the Constitution of the United States, and the Declara- 
tion of Independence. 

They say by ivord Sf Act, That their own Children, or any faithful Citizen, may 
be legally robed oj every Natural and Sacred Right, and that toe had no rights 
whatever. They are a Blot upon the character, the honor, of any Nation, which 



94 Doc. No. 1. 

claims to have the least shadow or spark of Civilization above the lowest, most 
inferior Canibal Races. This is a slight thoug brief recital, of some of the enor- 
mous atrocities, of these Idle, haughty, tyranical, Arrogant Land Monopolists; 
slave holders our lords and masters, From which, Good Lord Deliver us. These 
are some of the facts, which we now, (after the lapse of 83 years, since the wri- 
ting and signing of that Sacred Instrument, Honored and Adored by our Fathers, 
which declares that it is Self Evident that all Men are created Equal, Endowed 
by their Creator with certain inherent rights (Sec") submit to the Decision of all 
Candid ; true Republican, Friends of Universal Freedom, and Natural Equality of 
Rights. All We Demand ; is our Liberty, and the Natural rights and immunities 
of faithful Citizens of the United States. We will Obtain these rights or Die in 
the Struggle to obtain them. We make war upon oppression, we have no contro- 
versy with any Religious Sect, our intention is not to molest any Good Man, 
whatever may be his religious belief. " The welfare of the People; Is the first 
Great Law." We hold these to be self evident truths, That any Tribe, Rulers, 
or People, who Rob and cruelly oppress their faithful Laboring Citizens, have 
within themselves the Germ, of their own certain and fearful overthrow; It is 
one of Nature's Immutable Laws; that "According to the measure that ye mete; 
so shall it be Measured to you again." Herein is the secret of Security & true 
happiness, for Individuals, And the. only firm Basis, upon which Governments, may 
be permanently Established : where the Citizens, are Devoted to the greatest good of 
their fellow Men, The more humble, benighted fy oppressed they are, So much more 
sympathy, $f earnest effort for their relief, is demanded, striving earnestly to pro- 
mote the Safety and prosperity of their Nation ; fy the Human Race. 

It is a fixed Law of Nature, That any People, or Nation, whose steady pur- 
pose, cf Constant Practice, is in accordance with these principles; Must go for- 
ward Progressing ; So long as Man continues to Exist. For in Nature the Prin- 
ciple of Reciprocity is Great. 

"The Legitimate object of all Punishment, is to prevent Crime." When any 
Punishment is inflicted more than is necessary to prevent Crime, it then ceases to be a 
Punishment, It has then become a Barbarous Crime. A Sore Evil. "The Natural 
Object of all Government is to Protect the right, Defend the Inocent. When any 
set of Usurpers, Tribe, or community, fail to protect the right, but furnish pro- 
tection & encouragement to the Villain, by bestowing a Bounty, or Premium, 
upon the vile Thief, Rober, Libertine, Pirate; & Woman killing Slave Holder; 
as a reward for their deeds of rascality and Barbarism; And inflict grievous cru- 
elties upon the inocent, Shooting and Butchering those most faithful, Citizens, 
who have striven Manfully, for the relief of the down troden & oppressed of 
their country, Who fought bravely in support of the Great Principles set forth in 
Our Declaration of Independence, from the oppressive Rule of England. En- 
couraging in various ways, by bribery and fraud, the most Fiendish acts of Bar- 
barism, (like those Perpetrated within the limits of the United States, at Blounts 
Fort; in Florida and in other Teritories.) under the Jurisdiction and guidance of 
Slave holding Authority, & in strict accordance with Slave holding Rules.) They 
have transcended their own limits, They have fairly outwitted themselves; Their 
Slave Code is a Shame to any Nation, Their Laws, are no Laws, they themselves 



Doc. No. 1. 95 

are no more than a Band of Base Piraticle Rulers. They are a curse to them- 
selves, a most lamentable Blot upon Society. 

" In every stage of these oppressions, we have petitioned for redress, in the 
most humble terms, Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated 
Injury A Class of oppressors, whose character is thus marked by every act 
which may define a Tyrauical Despotism, is unfit to rule any People. Nor have 
we been wanting in attention, to our Oppressors; We have warned them from 
time to time, of attempts (made by their headlong Blindnes,) to perpetuate, ex- 
tend, strengthen, and revive the dieing eliments of this cursed Institution. We 
have reminded them of our unhappy condition, and of their Crueties, We have 
appealed to their native Justice and magnanimity, we have conjured them by 
the ties of our common nature, our Brotherhood, & common Parentage, to disavow 
these usurpations, which have destroyed our Kindred friendship, and endangered 
their safety. -'They have been Deaf to the voice of Justice & Consauguiuity. 
We must therefore acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces their tyrany & 
unjust rule over us. Declaring that we will serve them no longer as slaves, 
knowing that the " Laborer is worthy of his hire." We therefore, the Represen- 
tatives of the circumscribed citizens of the United States, of America in General 
Congress assembled, appealing to the supreem Judge of the World, for the recti- 
tude of our intentions, Do in the name, & by the authority of the Oppressed 
Citizens of the Slave States, Solemnly publish and Declare; that the Slaves are, 
& of right ought to be as free & independent as the unchangable Law of God, 
requires that All Men Shall be. That they are absolved from all allegiance to 
those Tyrants, who still persist in forcibly subjecting them to perpetual " Bondage, 
and that all friendly connection between them & such Tyrants, is, & ought to 
be totally desolved, And that as free, & independent citizens of these states, 
they have a perfect right, a sufficient & just cause, to defend themselves against 
the tyrany of their oppressors. To solicit aid from & ask the protection of all 
true friends of humanity & reform, of whatever nation, & wherever found ; 
A right to contract Alliances, & to do all other acts & things which (rse inde- 
pendent Citizens may of right do. And for the support of Declaration; with a 
firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence ; We mutually Pledge to each 
other, Our Lives, and Our Sacred honor. Indeed ; I tremble for my Country, 
when 1 reflect; that God is Just; And that his Justice; will not sleep forever" 
&c. &c. Nature is mourning for its murdered, and Afflicted Children. Hung be 
the Heavius in Scarlet. 

[The above copy has the spelling, punctuation, and use of capitals, just as 
they are found in the original. The word "Taney," over a caret, is transcribed 
as in the original. This document bears no signature, unless the cipher on the 
line next to the last be so intended. Handwriting large, probably done by Owen 
Brown, sometimes copyist for his father. The paper (foolscap) upon which it is 
written, is pasted, sheet under sheet, on white cloth attached to, and rolled up on 
a round stick, and tied with a string attached to one eud, — Trans.] 



JJO Doc. No. I. 

[4.] 

Sprinudale 5th m 10th 1858. 
My dear friends Whipple &> Tidd 

We received your letters of the 3d inst. (Dated at Chatham) thi^ 
raorniug and they have caused me much pain on your hehalf, for I cauuot con- 
sent to believe that there should be so much treachery and hypocracy harbored 
in two such noble hearts as yours as to premeditate any evil action towards those 
who you new were your true friends. I have addressed you both in one letter for 
you are both interested and I have not time to write two letters now I shall pro- 
bably speak very plain to you but I do not do it with any feelings of revenge or 
hatred but in that love which I feel for the welfare of my fellow beings that I 
may convince you of your error and convict your hearts of sin and cause them to 
be melted in the furnace of regeneration and love to God which produces good 
will in our hearts to all the world. It is exceedingly to be regretted that anything 
should have hapened just on the eve of your departure that should cause such an 
excitement and unless more satisfactory^ explained must produce a separation 
of that true friendship which has ever existed between us, and which I would 
wish to continue through life. You very well know that when you first came 
here the subject of morality among the young folks was frequently discussed in 
the family and by your advocating cjertaiu rules by which young people should be 
governed and seeing nothing in your conduct to make us think you were not 
sincere we placed full confidence in you that you would be willing to walk by the 
same rule you marked out for others In the first place I wish to say to Tidd if 
he has in his young days led a profligate life and wishes to reform as he says he 
does and I have no reason to doubt his intentions that he must never place him- 
self in a situation to tempt others and then he will not tempt himself if we are 
satisfied that we have any weakness it is our duty to strengthen them by firmness 
and perseverence in well doing I would say to Whipple that if he knew Tidd's 
character before and held him as an associate I must consider him equally re- 
sponsible, for your intimacy led us to believe you were firm friends and we placed 
that confidence in you that we did not believe either of you would be guilty 
knowingly of doing a mean act I cannot understand how such fervent love as 
you have professed here can be pure and yet feel such distrust and jealousy as 
thou hast manifested by thy writing and also by the conversation you had here 
the morning thee left here the last time true love casteth out all fear and is apli- 
cable in that case as well as the love of God surely there cau be no true love 
where there is distrust and jealousy and certainly I can never consent for my 
daughter to marry a man who does not believe she is virtuous She asserts her 
innocence before the God that created her and I have got to have more evideuce 
than I have seen yet to dispute her word, I can forgive you all the past aud 
praj for you in future but you must allow me to look upon you with distrust 
until I cau see by your perseverence in well doing that you are really sincere, we 
are all falible beings and liable to get out of the way any minute we leave the 
watch tower therefore the necesity for the injunction watch aud pray continually 
lest ye euter into temptation, it is also necessary for us to have charity one for 
another for we know not how soon we may be overtaken in a fault ourselves. 



Doc. No. I. 97 

If you were to come hack to morrow we should greet you with friendship and 
do hy you just as we have done hur. we should have to get acquainted with you 
again in order to restore that confidence we once placed in you I have not much 
more to write myself I will close and write some for mother. 

from your well wishing friend 

MOSES VARNEY. 

You may he assured that we shall not say anything outside the family that will 
injuie your character here so that you need not fear to come hack if you are 
spared with life and health to do so. 

Mother says to Tidd she can forgive him all if he can say in truth that Eiis- 
heth is none the worse for their intimacy she says she feared there was something 
wrong by his actions before he left but could not believe that he would ever make 
such an attempt wc may make all the resolves that can pass through our heads 
to try to reform but unless we give our whole hearts to God and rely upon 
his mercy and grace Ave are not safe, O Tidd if thee could only know my feeling 
and the bitter tears I have shed since thee would never suffer the temptation to 
have a place in thy heart but none but a mother can ever realize such feelings. 

Many days and hours have passed since we met together last yet our lives do 
still remain here on earth. 

Children tell me how you do does your love continue true, if you want to hear 
from me how I am or what I be here. I am behold who will sure I am a sinner 
still worse and worse myself I see yet the Lord remembers me tis religion that 
can give sweetest pleasures while we live tis religion mist supply solid comfort 
when we die after death its joys will be lasting as eternity by the living God my 
friend then thy bliss shall never end the Spirit calls O Tidd yield, to his power O 
grieve him not away seek him every hour let not a moment pass without a fer- 
vent prayer that God would keep the from every foul snare, remember Tidd 
remember my prayers shall ever be up to the God of heaven for thy prosperity. 

We wrote two letters and put them in one wrapper and mailed them to Chat- 
ham Canada West they were mailed the fifth directed to Charles Plummer. 

Tidd when thee gets this write and tell me the truth and the whole truth and 
keep uothiug back I feel that that would relieve me. We do not wish to create 
any hard feelings between you but we must tell the truth if it does hurt you, now 
Tidd thee claims there was no premeditated action, did thee not tell Whipple 
thee knew thee could do it and meant to before thee left now Whipple says thee 
told him so ; if that be the case thee must be trying to deceive us, and if it is not 
the case, Whipple has been to blame in telling it but our impressions are you are 
both to blame wo want you to think seriously what you have done and plead wiih 
your God for his forgiveness. We can and will forgive if you will so live as to 
be reconciled to God wc blame Whipple for not telling what he knew while you 
13 



98 Doc. No. 1. 

were both here and then ive could have talked face to face, now with our sincere 
desires for you and prayers for your everlasting hapiness I remain your friend so 
farewell. 

CHARLOTTE VARNEY. 

We want you both to write as soon as you get this 

Remember us to Realf, Cook, Owen, Steward and the old Captain in par- 
ticular. 

[In this, as in all the letters and other documents copied, the spelling and 
punctuation of the originals have been carefully followed. — Trans.] 



[5.] 

Chatham, Aug. 16th (Sabbath) 1858. 
J. H. Kagi, Esqr. ; 

Dear Sir : 

I this moment received your kind favor, 
and am pleased to hear from you, "Uncle," and Mr. Tidd. Hope ere this 
reaches you, that "Uncle" will have recovered from his febrile attack. Say 
to Mr. Tidd, that I have sent the letter on to Mr. Realf, New York City, which 
he sent in my caro for him. I also enclose one that I have for some time had 
from Mr. Moffit for you, but did not know where to send it till now. 

Richardson and Thomas are still here, both of them quite industrious and doing 
well. I have not seen Richardson since I received your letter to-day, but have 
seen Bell, Shadd, Jackson, and Thomas. W. II. Day is now here, and will be 
for some days. Tell uncle, I received his letter dated at Syracuse, N. Y., and 
Postmarked " Rochester," where I suppose it was dropped in the office. 

I am not at present advised as to where Col. C. Lehman, Smith and the rest 
of them are, but think they are in the " Reserve" District, Ohio. 

There is nothing new here nor worthy of note. I have been anxiously looking 
and expecting to see something of uncle's movements in the papers, but as yet 
have seen nothing, the letter from you being the intimation of his whereabouts 
since he wrote me. 

Please send me any paper which may mention your doings. All are in good 
spirits here, hoping and waiting the "Good Time Coming." 

With the kindest remembrance, 

I am, dear sir, sincerely your Friend, 

M. R. DELANV. 



Doc. No 1. !)9 

J. H. Kagi, Esq. Lawrence, K. T. U. S. 

Friend Kagi seeing a letter for you 
from Canada and knowing that a letter from there would relate to bisiuess I took 
the liberty to peruse it I know you will not think hard 

TIDD. 



[6.] 

, Kinsman, 11th mo 14th 56. 

Dear Wm. 

You Cuss! I went to Richmond to see. you & those pictures was 
disappointed in not seeing them. I was very much pleased when you gave me 
permission to get them. After reading Matties letter I was sure that there was 
a letter at E. A. Fowks for me from Lizzie. So I got a hoarse & rode up there 
in the mud & rain. I went to the office first, there was nothing for you or me. 
Then I went up to the Olde Mill & asked the women if I could go to your trunk, 
they gave me permission. When I found the trunk the darned kee would not fit. 
You had better think I was mad enough to smash the dam'd trunk. Then 1 
went down to Elex, it was after dark & no one at home. I built a fire and looked 
all over the house for letters hut found none. Then I ate almost a whole apple 
pie & started for home a going by C. Mofiatt works to see if he had hearde from 
any of the boys. 1 stoped out in the road in front of the house and hollered he 
came out and tolde me to go in I would not but he took holde of my hoarse 6c 
led him in the barn. So I went in & found E. A. Foabs & wife Martha & Louisa 
there a eating Roasted Turkey. 1 went back to E. A. & staid all night sat up until] 
after 3 o'clock & then went to bed & came home the next morning. Now 1 want 
you to send me the right kee in a letter the next mail. Chas has not hearde from 
any of the Boys or Old Man 

Yours Truly 

L. F. PEARSONS. 

[ This letter is without envelope or direction, but is supposed to have beeu ad- 
dressed to Wm. Leeman. The Richmond mentioned, is probably Richmond, 
Astabula, O. — Trans.] 



Lakeland, M'ch 28th, '58. 



Dear Brother Charles, 



Yours of 11th inst. come to hand safe it has filled my heart with 
sorrow I cannot tell you all I think on the subject in this letter for I have prayed 
over and thought and dreamed and even wept over the course you are pursueing 



100 Doc. No. 1. 

my brother do think of your course of how wrong you r.rc like old Job I will 
fill my mouth with arguments and call loud on thee my brother. You surely do 
not go against state rights and admitting this then the slave states have the same 
right to hold slaves constitutionally that the north have to prohibit it Where 
does slavery commence not when man subjects his fellow to bondage o no indeed 
this is not the worst form of slavery the evil comenced when one man by em- 
ploying a number of his fellows and he himself lived on the profits of their labor. 
Thus toiling year after year the laborer becomes more ignorant and poor the em- 
ployer more wise and wealthy and bye and bye the poor man becomes an easy 
victim to the cupidity of aristocrat. What he first received pay for he at last is 
oblidged to do for nothing. Now let me lay down a rule that shall do away with 
slavery Let each and every man produce with mauuel labor what he consumes 
Beyound and far above all this is the divine law Thou shalt not kill there is no 
position in which a man can be placed that will warrant the use of force I know 
the natural man rises up and will suppose extreme cases we have no right to do 
this but trust in the lord and when the hour of trial comes he will sustain you 
Seek to know your duty and he that rule.* us all will make the way plain but rest 
assured thy duty is not on the field of blood. I have been sick about a fortnight 

1 a plenty to do at $2 50 per day. I did not mean to infer that wc have sufi'erd 
hut only a little pinched it is over now we have a cow and provision for the sum- 
mer were it not for our parents I should not think of calling on you but my heart 
yearns for my poor old mother. If you think it best for me to have the money I 
shall devote it to the good of the old folkes about E. W. Clark I do feel for them 
do not distress yourself but send of the money you call mine the lord will help 
me as he has done Bless his great and holy name O my brother I see in future 
a man with treason stamped on his brow he ascends the scaffold my soul recoils 
I can write no more do not my Brother Bring sorrow to dwell in our midst. 

thy loving Brother 

A. L. T. 



Dear Brother 

I do not feel atall in the mood for addressing you to night, but as 
A L is writing to you. and as you remembered me so kindly in your letter I felt 
it my duty as a sister and one that is deeply interested for you to say a few words. 
Your letter kind and loving though it was has gven us much pain and soorow of 
heart. Charley knowing so little as I do of the work yon are engaged in. I can- 
not use any kind of Argument or lay down any rule for you as A has tried to do. 
but as I very much fear you arc not in the right. I appeal to your Affection to the 
love you have for your near and dear friends your Poor Mother lor instance You 
say you dearly lovo your friends. Now is it your duty to sacrifice that life so 
foolishly as it seems to me, that might be of so nine!) benefit, and certainly would 
be so much comfort to your dear old Til other who loves her youngest son as she 
does her life, and would glory in seeing him engaged in a good cause but to hear 
of his being hanged for treason would bring down her grey hairs with sorrow to 
the grave. O Charley do think of how much more good you may do the human 
family to live an honest upright Christian life before the world striving by your 
example to lead your fellow men in that straight and narrow way that our Sa- 



Doc. No. 1. 10L 

viour speaks of and which there is no difficulty in finding if we but seek aright. 
I know you will think me simple and I am willing to be called so if I am only 
sure I am the follower of Christ. Charley do you helieve iu a God if you do 
sincerely, go to him ask him for guidence and direction in this great and momen- 
tious affair and if you seek that God aright desiring to know your duty as sure 
as there is a Ruler of the Universe He will guide you aright, forgive me if I have 
offended you by simple advice but do consider will the consequences of so rash 
a step. Write again soon for we shall feel anxious to hear from you. And re- 
member me as your Affectionate Sister 

JULIA. 

[The above two letters are in one envelope directed to "Mr. Charles P. Tidd, 
Springdale, Cedar Co. Iowa," and postmarked "Hudson Apr 2 Wis." It was 
probably written in 185S. — Trans.] 



Dear Friend Win. 



[8.] 

Kinsmon, Jan. 1G — 1859. 



I expected a letter from you last week and did not get 
one. I am afraid that you are sick. I have just written a letter to Lizzie. I 
mean that I tried to write to her, but it was the poorest letter that I ever wrote 
in my life. I have not hearde from home for some time, have you ? I am a get- 
ting as uneasy as Hell to leave this wooden country. I have not hearde a worde 
from any of the boys in Kansas, only what I see in Papers, and I presume that 
you see the Tribune as well as me. Uncle John is a playing {/articular Hell 'again. 
Kagi was wounded in ft. Scott while liberating Rice. Brown has been in Mis- 
souri and took 12 or 15 slaves and horses, mules aud oxen, and killed one man. 
The government has offered a reward of $500 for Brown & Montgomery. "Let 
the wolf howl." I expect to hear from there soon, aud something to, in regard 
to moving our goods (at Kings) towards Kansas. God spead the time. What 
say you my boy? I am sorry that Kagi is wounded, but the paper says not seri- 
ously. They took everything that there was in one store in Ft. Scott. I worked 
Christmas and new years, but I went to one dance between on Thursday night. 
This is darned disagreeable weather for winter I think. Are you still a firing in 
the mill ? Do you intend to go home ? & when ? I think that you ou^bt to go 
soon if you can, & if you intend to go to Kansas if uncle John wants you to. 
you may send me those pictures if you please, for I should like to look at them 
occasionally. That is a darned shame that yours were broken. Don't you think 
that it. was done on purpose? I should hardly think that it could be an axideut. 
I dont think of anything more to write of importance. Write soon 

Yours Respect 

L. F. PARSONS. 

[Without direction, but supposed to have becu written to William Lceman. — 
Trans.] 



102 Doc. No. 1. 

[9.] 

Wednesday Morning, Sept. 14th. 

My Dear Husband. 

I wrote to you two weeks ago but I suppose you had not got it when you 
wrote as you did not say anything about it. O, Watson, I was so glad to hear 
from you it made me almost homesick I do want to see you so very much and I 
would like to have you see the little fellow he has grown very fast, when I want 
to work I set him up in the rocking chair and talk to him and he will laugh and 
act quite knowing he will jump like anything as the Peacocks say It is very cold 
weather here, the wind blows & it has been raining & snowing and the moun- 
tains are white with snow now I am sitting as near the stove as I can without 
burning my clothes and there is a very good fire too, there it is snowing now 
quite fast. I suppose it is warm and pleasant where you are, O ! that I could be 
with you," but I will try to be contented as I am and where my home is, the 
friends are all very kind to me and take care of Freddy a great deal. Ellen sits 
there by the rocking chair rocking him now I have not been able to get a cradle 
yet I have not been anywhere yet only up to Fathers I went up there when the 
baby was three weeks old and staid two weeks tell Dauphin it was very lone- 
some there without him Our corn did not grow to be anything at all we had 
some boiled twice, and it was altogether to green, the potatoes are very good 
they crack open and are very dry and mealy, the cucumber vines were all killed 
before they were large enough to bear. This place is to frosty to live in 

" Much love to all." 

We got a letter from Mr. Hodgkius it came directed to you, he had sold the 
wool for forty cents 40„ which he endorsed on that note, I paid Henry 20 dol- 
lars out of the money I got for the steers And I am a going to pay for the sheep 
as soon as the money is paid on that Draft. I am a going to send it out next 
week Rodolphus took the pig for three dollars which paid that debt. I paid 
Weeks one dollar and 85 cents yours and Olivers acct. with him. 

Now Watson keep up good courage and not worry about me and come back as 
soon as possible, I think of you all night in my dreams. This is all at present. 
From your Affct. Wife. 

BELL BROWN. 

You will write just as often as you can wont you now, I forgot to say the baby 
has had the chicken pox but was not sick much. 

[The above letter is endorsed "Watson Brown," iu the same handwriting with 
the body of the letter. — Trans.'] 



Doc. No. 1. 103 

[10] 

Hallowell, April 28, 1858. 
My Dear Brother, 

I received your letter and was most happy to hear from you, 
also to know that you was well, that is A great blessing, to enjoy good health, 
we are all well as usual, but our Mother, she is much better now than when I 
wrote last, although she is not able to leave her room, her mind is much more 
settled, she begins to move her fingers A very little. The doctor says she will 
get better when the warm weather comes, she worries herself A great deal about 
you, and I dont know, My Dear Brother, how you expect a Mother and Sister to 
do otherwise, when we think where you are so far from your home, so long since 
we have seen you, and so long before we shall see you, (by your writing) but I 
hope it may not be but A short time before you will think it best to come to the 
loved ones at home. 

I do not like to write so very discouraging to you brother when you are trying 
your best to encourage your folks, but if you knew how much we want you to 
come home, you would not blame us for writing such letters. 

Would you come home if you had the money to come with, tell me what it 
would cost. O I would be unspeakably happy, if it were in my power to send 
you money, but we have been very poor this winter. 1 have not earned A half 
dollar this winter. Mattie has had a very good place, where she has had 75 cts 
A week, she has not speut any of it in the family only A very little for Mother. 
Farther has had very small pay, but I think he has more now, he is watchman on 
the Eastern Queen, that runs from here to boston. I should worked in the straw 
Factory at Natick, this Winter had Mother been well, Mattie has left her place, 
and talks of working in this Mill, but she will not if she can possibly do anything 
else. 

Hallowell is as still as ever there is no kind of business going on at all, most all 
those think anything of themselves have left. 

I do not think you would know Mother, for she is very poor, she does not look 
like our Mother, we try to make her as comfortable as we can, she has every 
thing that she wants, the folks in this place have been so very kind to us, our 
neighbors too it seems as though they could not do to much Farther says ho 
wants you to come home, if you have to go back again. Ah my Dear brother, 
you can never know how much your folks want you to come home. 

My Dear brother I want you to be shure and write often, and as soon as you 
receive this, for we are so very anxious, when you dont write, tell me who you 
are Agoing to fight, if you are going to interfere with the mormans. I rather 
thought so, for I know times are peaceable in Kansas. 

What may be thy lot on Earth, thy mission here below 
Though fame may wreath her laurels fair, around thy youthful brow, 
Though you would rise from Earthly things, and win a deathless name, 
Let all your ways be just and right — Let virtue be your aim — 
Though you may yet be scorned by men, or those who bear the name 
Let all your ways be just and right — Let virtue be your aim. 



104 Doc. No. 1. 

Oh my dear brother, I hopo you are as good, as you were wheu you went from 
your homo, and I knoic you are, for you would not do any thing wrong. 

George Mitchel is dead one month ago. Dr. Allen is dead, Mr. Bart Nason 
fell dead in the meeting house, David Wallach CMariah butters husband was 
drowded in California, a short time ago, it has been very sickly here this spring. 
We are having a very great revival. 

Mattie and I have concluded to get our minatures taken together for you. wo 
will send them soon, we all send much love to you brother, and son, accept this 
from your ever affectionate sister Lizzie. 

L. LEE MAX, 

Hallowell, Maine. 

[ The above letter written in delicate and beautiful cbirography is without en- 
velope, or address, but is supposed to have been written to Wra, Leeman] 



[11.] 

Akron May 2nd 1859. 
Dear Father, 

Your letter dated April 5th was rcs'd several weeks since, also 
your letter of the lGth April dated at Westport. We have not seen ur writing 
case, which you say was lost either at Chicago, or this side. I believe & hope 
that you life & health may be spared for several years, I cannot think that you 
have finished your work yet. You had misstaken Jasons ideas of " moving" en- 
tirely, ho is heartily engaged in the measure & as he says " at this late hour wishes 
to he considered one of ws'* I will only acknowled the sin of not answering let- 
ters in better season than I do, still I cannot wish to be considered worse than I 
am in that matter. While you was in Kansas last season, I wrote you once, 
some time in August, Directing to Mr. Adair. It appears that you did not re- 
ceive it. We have not heard from John for several months, If it was myself, it 
would be no wonder, as it is him, I am begining to think strange of it. Have 
received a letter from Ruth, of the 19th April, I have commenced, in answer to 
all the letters from Mother, Henry, Ruth, Salmon, Anna, Watson, Oliver, & all 
the rest, whether they ever receive it or not, will depeud wholy upon the length 
of their life. Shall remember you all. 

Your affectionate son 

[The above bears this endorsement, "The following letter we found among 
tho private papers of Capt. Brown at his house which we entered on Tuesday 
evening with the Marines. It is from one of his sous (the sole remaining one out 
of six) who is now wanderiug through the west, but his whereabouts is unknown 
to his father, as he himself assured us. The signature has been carefully cut 
from the page."] 



Due. No. 1. J 05 

[13.] 

Chambers burgh P 9th, 1859. 

Dear Brother, Sister fy C s, 

All is well with us. At present our prospecting appears to be 
favorable, & some of us will find employment in a few days, (I did not see the 
Letter you wrote us, but heard of it.) Tidd is here, God speed you. 

Your Brother, 

O. S. 

[The indicates whore a piece has been torn out of the original.] 



[13.] 

Cherrtwood, June 8 '59. 
Friend John 

I got a leter from your sister Mary yesterday she wishes me to 
write to you as soon as I get heers aud say to you that it is unsafe for you to 
come home or at least to Nebraska City She ses that a frond of ours told your 
Pa in town she beleved it was Mr. Rufis Moore. See wants you to be on your 
gard for them 

I don t- now as you want your leters sent to Cleveland in your name or not so 
I will send this to sister and request heer to send it to you I learn from E. A. 
Fobcs that you was at Cleveland also from sister I want you to rite to me and let 
me now the particler of afares I hav not hurd eny thing ouly what was riten 
from the City Hotel at your arival thare, tell me whare the rest are and wharo 
Wbiples adress is tell them I wod like to hear from them I am a farming this 
sumer I was sick a month but am at work agane pleas rite to me and lets be 
sociable agane direct to De Wit Clinton Co Iowa if I had not got such a head 
ache I wod rite more, yours truly 

C. W. MOFFET. 



[14.] 

Springdale August Gth 1859 
friend Ed 

I reseived a very welcom leter from you yesterday, and was glad to 
hear that yo ar still alive and well well Ed I havee not time to rite mutch for it 
is rather a blure monday and you no how I feel Ed I have rented that mashene 
to Jim but at no prise I will do the best I can with it Jim lost the ox case and it 
cost him 26 doolars rather a bad Job for Jim as for the talk in about your leaving 
14 



106 Doc. No. 1. 

Ed they all no where you was a going som of them glory in your spunk an others 
think you ar a gon boy and have made you mad your last trip to Springdale Ed 

I want you to doge like the d 1 and show them you can com without a hold 

in your hide. 

Well as for inary and lu they ar well and old lion is able to fart yet at least he 

plade a good hand the other night they had fed him on beans he was d m full 

of wind wee had black beryies yesterday and Lu and I had a try last night. 
Dick is going back to Kansas in 3 or 4 weeks Ed I must stop my scribling for it 
is time to go to Diner rite soon if you can aud I will do beter next time so I will 
stop I ain 

Dick come to mee Just now and said he wanted to rite to you on bisness so I 
gave your post ofise adess 

[The above bears no direction or subscription, but the haud and spelling are 
those of Moffet, aud the letter was probably to Edward Coppee. — Trans.] 



[ 15. ] 

Omaha Nebraska T. May 16th, 1859. 
Dear Kaig 

Your letter bearing date Apr. 22 is received. Was forwarded from 
Byron to this place. I have been here about a wating for our 5th man to come 
arrouud via of St. Louis with our provisions for a 6 months tour in the moun- 
tains in search of Gold. I received a letter from you on Saturday before I 
started on Monday. This was the first word I bad hearde of any of you for 
many months. You said that you should not be in Cleveland only 3 days so I 
wrote to J. I). Jr. to tell you some things. You now write me to not enter in to 
any other arrangement preventing me from other buisuess. When you do this I 
think that you donte consider my situation, the obligations I am under to my 
creditors, and what I have already sacrifised in that same bankrupt buisness. I 
staid all last summer and winter and worked hard for little or nothing (just 
«noug*h to get home) with the vane expectation of hearing something definate in 
regard to buisness. but I hearde nothing. When I came home my folks accused 
me of fooling away my time, claim, money, &c. &c. when I owed debts that I 
ought to pay. I felt as if I must do something to shut up their mouths & then I 

could, & would tell them to kiss my foot. 1 owe about $230. If I could 

pay them in a minute, as I feel now I should be ready to go immediately. I had 
no tools, could not work at my trade, & new no better thing to do or place to hit 
upon than to go to Pikes Peak. I am so far on my way & even now we get 
more discouraging noos than good. Eversomany are a going back selling teams 
at a loss & taking the quickest way home. Were I to see Uncle John now & he 
to ask me to go, I should tell him that I owed $230, & must pay that first, if he 
would pay it then I should go immediately, if not then I should try to earn it. I 
am certainly this is so. I have been willing debt, or no debt, but then I expected 



Doc. No. 1. 107 

to have joined in the dance long before this. You may be assured that my best 
■wishes will attend you. I am sorry to learu that others are not with you that 
you had expected. But I also learu that you have some new ones which I liope 
will more than supply the deficiency. I do not know where to have you direct 
your letters if you should see fit to write. There are a great many a coming 
back from Ft Carney discouraged on account of the discouraging news from the 
Peak. Tis said to be a humbug. We intend to go and see for our selves. With 
mauy good wishes 

I remain yours truly 

L. F. PARSONS. 

[ The envelope to this letter, as well as to many others, has been either wholly 
lost or mislaid. — Trans.] 



[16.] 

Illinois July 3d '59 

Dear Friend 

the pleasure that it affords me in receiving you token is un- 
bounded, it has removed the cloak of suspense and doubt, with bright hopes of 
Cherishing my young and seemingly long desires, that the object is within my 
reach. It is my chief desire to add fuel to fire. The amount may be small, 
"but every little helps." My ardent passion for the gold field is my thoughts by 
day and my dreams by night. I often think that I am with you. Bringing it 
forth in masses that surprises the world, and moving with all its sweetness and 
holesomeuess adds still another determination. I would rejoice still more if you 
felt as well as I do. My health could not be hotter I am sorry to hear of your 
being so unfortunate but my sincerest hopes is Avith you. 

Please let me know as soon as possible For if it was very sudden I might be 
some troubled to get my money as it is very scarce stuff here the man that I am 
working with is good as soon as his wheat is sold it is middling good here this 
season much better than expected a month ago They are cutting it here now 
some commenced theirs last day of June. If it should happen that you would 
come by this way 1 will give you directions. Start out ou the Bloomiugton aud 
Peora road, From Bloomington and go half mile and take the white oak grove 
road about 4£ miles north inquire for Squire Brown's farm and you will have no 
trouble to find it. Those Glorious fellows, I would like to know where they are. 
Black or white. And where Dick & Realf are as you did not mention them. 

1 must go to town this afternoon, quite a walk 5 miles, but if it is as long 
going to you, as that was coming to me, I must not delay a minute. 

Yours For Ever * 

Iu truth 

Bloomington, III, 

Give my love to those. friends of trust 

STEWARD TAYLOR 



108 Doc. No. 1. 

[17.] 



New York, Sep. 6 '59. 






J. Henrie, Esq. Chamhtrsburg, Pa. 

Dear Sir, 

Your communication of the 3d iust., came to hand yesterday. 
In reply, am sorry to state, I can give you no information whatever regarding 
the whereabouts of Richard Realf. I only know he left his home, the latter part 
of February, for America; since which time I have failed to gather any intelli- 
gence relating to his movements, lie considers me his most intimate friend ; 
and. yet, I know not that he even exists at this time. 

Please inform me the motive which prompts you in your enquiry. Have you 
known Mr. Rer.If for any lengthened period ? Where did ycu last see him ? 
And how and when did you hear him speak of me ? 

If I hear of or from him at any time, I will transmit you the news, and trust 
you will reciprocate. 

Respectfully Yours, 

CM AS. C. YEATON 
Care of Horace H. Day, Esq.— 23 Cortlandt Street. 

[ "J. Henrie" was the assumed name of Kagi. — TV.] 



[IS.] 

23, Cortlandt St. N. Y. Sept. 22, 59. 
My Dear Sir, 

You will, I trust, excuse my seeming negligence in the occur- 
rence of my not having replied to your two last communications, bearing dates, 
respectively, of the 7th and 14th inst. ; the latter of which contained an enclo- 
sure of two others for Mr. Realf. My time has been so closely monopolized by 
business, that I have been compelled to disappoint every one of my correspon- 
dents for nearly three weeks past. 

The hand writing of the letters address to friend Realf I hardly recognized. 
They contained nothing of importance; therefore I will retain them until he may 
make his appearance here. The parties by whom they were written have seen 
Realf since their date. I hold a deep interest in the welfare of Richard, and 
trust the time is not far distant when I may be the recipient of some glad tidings 
of or from him. 

With kind regards, believe me to remain, 

Yrs. Resp'y, 

CHAS. C. YEATON. 

J. Henrie, Esq'r. 



Doc. No. 1. 109 

[19.] 

Cleveland, Sept. 30th '59. 
My dear friend, 

I have been waiting ever since the receipt of your letter for 

Mr. L to return before I answered thinking that we might manage some 

Avay to help you to that mouey. He came last night and I gavo him your letter. 
Harris is gone to Canada. I saw your uncle Samuel; laid the matter before 
him ; he expressed a very favorable opinion of your business, thought you would 
eventually succeed in makiug a fortune. I told him your strait for this little 
amount of money just now but I could not get him to do anything towards help- 
ing you to it. I am going to try still further and see if I can procure something 
for you before J. B. Jr. comes I expect him next week. But I will tell you how 
I am situated My husband feels afraid you will have have trouble with that con- 
tract and eventually fail in your business and he is afraid of making any more 
that would bring him into trouble in case you should fail, which of course could 
do you no good. He is situated just where if he should be taken away from his 
buisness for two months he would be ruined as to property, there could be no 
help for it. If he was differently situated he would send you the money himself 
without any hesitation. But money is so hard to be got thet it requires the best 
turn of evry dollar to keep him up. I will endeavor to do the best I can for you 
but I am afraid I shant succeed in getting much. It seems to me that in your 
present emergency as difficult as it is for you to get workmen, that you had bet- 
ter send to your friend out west; I mean the one who dreamed one night of a 
crop of black and white beans; and have him send you on some of his workmen, 
for the present. Your difficulty I discover is want of workmen rather than mo- 
ney, if they could only be found who would go I would take two thirds of tho 
garments off from myself and give them to help them off. Any thing that you 
think I could possibly do for you let me know, and 1 am at your service with a 
will. But be sure you say nothing in your letters which if read could look as 
though my husband was involved with you; For if you should fail it would do 
no good for any body else to break with you, And by keeping up we might help 
you up again. When you write be cautious how you word it. I dont believe 
Mr. L. will go. He like others when he comes to it would rather get employ 
nearer home than go away off there and dig and work among the coal dust. I 
hope you will secure your land any way whether you find the wealth in it you 
anticipate or not, Carley is in Oberliu at school Adelia goes to the high school. 

From your friend. 
[Without direction or signature. — Trans.] 



110 Doc. No. I. 

[20.] 

Chambersburg, Sept. 27, 1859. 
Mr. James Lesley Esq. 

This will he handed to you by a Gentleman calling himself Smith — 
-who represents himself to me as the Brown of Kansas memory. He with two 
young men have been in and about town for two or three months professedly,, 
aud I believe truly, engaged in the good cause. So far as my acquaintance with 
them extends I believe them to be good men and true. 

The go to Phila to-morrow, and desire to see you, and request me to introduce 
them by letter — which I do so far as they are known to me. 

Respectfully yours, 

THOS. CARLILE. 

[On a blank page of the original note is the following in pencil: "Dear 
Jimmy, I am acquainted with the writer of this & know him to be one of the 
worthiest citizens of Chambersburg. /. Lesley. 611 Market Street."] 



[21-3 

West Andover, Mar. 30, 1859. 

I saw a few days since a letter which Owen had received from you. I have to 
say that there seems to be no present prospect of disposing of the property you 
mentioned. The old gentleman however encloses $10 00 which he hopes may 
be of some relief — the best he can do at present. 

Respectfully your friend, 

J. H. K. 

John E. Cook — Harpers Ferry. 



[22.] 

Cherrywood June 26th, '59. 
Dear Sir, 

I got a leter last nite from J. R. stating that I must be redy if I 
went in to or three weaks or to sa whether I wod go or not in short words I dout 
see as I can at present tho I feel as deap an interest for the caus as ever and 
hope yet to do more for it than I hav. 



Doc. No. 1. Ill 

l now is the best time and Perhaps the most needed but thare is difficulties in 
the way that cant be removed as I se. 

I shall try to do all that I can to ade the thing along shod like to be kept 
Posted on mater as well as couvieniant You may think that I am a back out 
but I dout under circumstances Nothing wod suit me beter I remaine your 
humbull sirvent and well wisher Please rite me as often as convenient. 

C. W. MOFFET. 

[ Direction unknown. — Trans.] 



[23.] 

Oberlin, Ohio, Sept. 8th '59. 
To J Henrie 

Respected Sir, 

I received yours pr C. II. L. and have delayed answer- 
ing it directly until the present. T have not seen J. D. H. since I received it But 
have heard from him. Nothing Delays me more than want of means. I have 
been unhealthy for some time but have grown quite well I saw J. B. Jr a week 
ago, and reed a letter from him yesterday His statements to me were satisfac- 
tory I have a hardy man who is willing and every way competent to dig coal 
but like myself has no tools if the company employs him they will have to furnish 
him tools His address is John Copeland Jr. Oberlin, Ohio he is an honest man 
and will do as much labor as the common run of men. I saw Mr. P. I think 
that we can get an outfit from parties interested iu our welfare in this place if so 
I shall Be on as soon as I can. 

Yours sincerely, 

L. S. LEARY. 

[The "J. Henrie" to whom this letter is addressed, was an assumed name of 
J. H. Kagi, who was killed at Harpers Ferry. The "Mr. P." alluded to near 
the close of the letter, is probably R. Plomb, of Oberlin. — Trans.] 



[24.] 



$600. 
Col 



Uh. Forbes, New York City I « JrV 1 ^ 

Sir/ 

/If you have drawn on W. H. D. Calender Esq., Cashier, State 
Bank, at Hartford, Connecticut: for Six Hundred Dollars; or any part of that 
amouut : and are not prepared to come on and join me at once : you will please 



112 Doc. No. 1. 

pay over at once to Joseph Bryant Esqi\, who is my Agent, Six Hundred Dollars 
or whatever amount yon have so drawn ; as I furnished that money in the full 
expectation of having your personal assistance this present time. I caunot wait 
uutill Fall; and 1 greatly need all tho means I have. 

Very Respectfully Your Friend 

JOHN BROWN. 

Cleveland, Ohio, 22d, June, 1857. 

[This order is endorsed in one corner, thus : " My Order on Col. Forbes re- 
turned," aud in another place, thus : " 1 did not present this to the Col. as I pre- 
sumed it would be of no use— and then he is I am ptrswaded acting in good faith. 
Jos. Bryant."] 



[25.] 



John Brown— To W. 8,- L. E. Gurky. 

To one Vernier Compass 
•• set steel marking Pins 



Recet Payment, 

W. & L. E. GURLEY. 

[Endorsed in Brown's handwriting, " W. & L. E. Gurley's Bill & Receipt.] 



Trot 


June 


7th 1859 
Dr. 




_ 


35 00 






1 00 




$36 00 



[26.] 

Newark Sept 0. '59 
Friend Henrie 

I received your note of inquiry this morning. I am sorry I know 
so little of what you ask. My last letter was written Sept. 6th Sister did not 
speak of C. at all. In other letters she has often spokeu of seeing him, but of 
course she knows nothing of his plans. 

My father is slowly recovering from a long severe illness. Many of our neigh- 
bors have been sick this season, perhaps C. has been. I hope he will join you 
soon. 

Respectfully 

S. G. W. 

[This note to "Henrie," alias Kagi, is in a female hand.] 



Doc. No. I. 113 

[27] 

Pittsburgh, Pa., 23d June, 1859. 
John Hcnric Esq 

Dear Sir 

Please enquire for a letter at Bedford, Pa. If you do not fiad 

one there; you may understand that you have got ahead of us; & will wait 

a little. If you have any company along it may be just as well not to appear as 

fellow travelers. We may commence prospecting before we get to Bedford. ^ 

Your3 in truth 

S. MUNROE. 



fr» 



[28.] 

Chambersburg, Pa., Aug. 2 '59. 

Dear Wh ip : 

Tidd, Steward Taylor, and 2 Coppacs have been about. You 
will be able to see them in two weeks, or three at farthest. I heard from Al. 
Hazlet to-day. 

Say to J. Jr., if he has not left home, that I have received all his letters and of 
King & Bros, up to those of July 27. 

Cashings not yet arrived — but expect them in a day or two. All is well. 
Keep cool. Preserve the elevation of your liquors, (or, iu other words, keep up 
your spirits.) 

Hen. C. Carpenter has gone to Wattles. I have written him. Have also 
written to Elza Maxeon to come here and I would give him a birth — to come, 
even if he had to sell your mare for passage money. Can you raise a swear on it? 

J. HENRIE. 

[ At the bottom of this note, written in pencil, is the name of "Horace Liudley, 
West Andover." The envelope is directed "Old Whipple, Anywhere." Whip- 
ple was the assumed name of Stevens.] 



[29.] 

Detroit, March 13, 1859. 
Dear Tidd : 

I & B arrived yesterday morning with our consort, which I 

immediately passed over to Windsor. The old man & Whip had to come on in 

advance in order to see Fred. Douglass who was expected to leave here yesterday 

15 



114 Doc. No. 1. 

morning. I left Hen. at Chicago with direction to start for Cleveland with the 
other freight, yesterday morning. 

We shall leave here to-morrow. Fred. D. spoke last night — will speak again 
this afternoon. 

Truly, as ever, yours 

KAGI. 

P. S. — Enquire at P. O. for me often, and send letters to West Audover, Ash- 
tabula Co., Ohio. 

K. 



[30.] 

July 14th 1859 indianna Pa 
Dear Sir, 

i Recieved your letter a few minuets ago and Was glad to hear 
from you 

i Will Bee Ready When you Want mee if nothing Happens mee 

yours truly 

A. H. 

[This brief note bears the initials of Albert Hazlet, but has no direction upon 
it. — Trans.] 



[31.] 

Chambersburg, Sat., Sept. 3, 1859. 
Dear Sir, 

I have just received the enclosed letter, together with the draft for 
$50 — mentioned therein, and have acknowledged the receipt of the same. I 
have also received a letter from John Smith, under date of Sandusky, Aug. 27th. 
He would stop at P. & Cleveland. Anderson at C ra would leave immedi- 
ately ; one at H n as soon as he could raise the money ; the Coppersmith in 

a few weeks. The latter had been waiting for some time, but at last made an en- 
gagement which he could not break for a few weeks. Others have to make cer- 
taiu provisions. Mr. Smith intends to try to raise funds for this object. He says 
he is ready for any other business you may give him employment in. His money 

is exhausted. Is sorry (confidentially) that he went in company with Mr. S 

he is too fat, and takes hardly strong interest enough. I have written him. 

Respectfully, 

J. HENRIE. 

[No direction.] 



Doc. No. 1. 115 

[32.] 

North Elba, June 29th. 
Dear Husband, 

We received your welcome letter of the 23d last night, with 
five dollars in it. We are all well here. Since you left here we have had abun- 
dance of rain so that things look quite promising now. We have not bad any 
frost since you left. Watson says he promised to write but wauts, I should say 
that be cut his foot & was laid up about a week & is in a great hurry. I read a 
letter from John telling what the frost had done in Ohio. I think we have great 
reason to be tbankfull here. I do hope that you will be blessed with health & 
success in the good and great cause your are engaged in. 

From your affectionate wife, 

MARY A. SMITH. 

[This letter is without envelope, but is endorsed "Isaac Smith, Esq. care of 
John Henrie, Chambersburg, Pa." It is from old Brown's wife.] 



[33.] 

Cherry Valley O Friday Apl 22nd 1859. 
Friend Kagi, 

Yours of 12th iust was duly rec'd, but no letters for you had come 
to the West Andover P. O. Yesterday I called at the office in Andover Centre 
and there found two for you, which had evidently been there some time. I shall 
for'd them to-day. 

Nothing new here. Have not heard from Father since he left, except inci- 
dentally through the papers that he spoke at Rochester N. Y. He remained with 
me nearly two weeks, suffering much not only from the ear-ache but from ague. 
Had 3 shakes before he left, and was much enfebled by it. 

Parsons wrote a few days since that he should "start to morrow for Pike's 
Peak." Had a yoke or two of oxen and a yoke of cows for teams. Whipple is 
still at work for Mr. Lindsley where he gives entire satisfaction. Nothing from 
the others. I shall write as often as I have letters to send you, or anything new 
to communicate. Address me as before to West Andover, O, Shall be glad to 
hear from you often. 

(In haste) 

Truly yours, 

JOHN BROWN, Jr. 



U6 Doc. No. 1. 

[34] 

Brentville April 11 1859 
Dear Husband 

I raus now write you apology for not writing you before this 
but I know you will excuse me when tell you Mrs. genniugs has been very sick 
(die has a baby a little girl ben a grate sufferer her breast raised and she has had 
it lanced and I have had to stay with her day and, night so you know I had no 
time to write but she is now better and one of her own servent is now sick I am 
well that is of the grates importance to you I have no newes to write you only 
the chrildren are all well I want to see you very much but are looking fordard to 
the promest time of your coming oh Dear Dangerfield com this fall with out fail 
raouny or no monney I want to see you so much that is one bright hope I have 
before me nothing more at present but remain 

your affectionate wife 

HARRIETT NEWBY 

P S write soon if you please 

Brentville April 22 1859 
Dear Husband 

I received your letter to day and it give much pleasure to here 
from you but was sorry to — of your sickeness hope you may be well when you 
receive this I wrote to you several weeks a go and directed my letter to Bridge 
Port but I fear you did not receive it as you said nothing about it in yours you 
must give my love to Brother Gabial and tell him I would like to see him very 
much I wrote in ray last letter that Miss Virginia had a baby a little girl I had to 
nersc her day and night Dear Dangerfield you Can not amagine how much I 
want to see you Com as soon as you can for nothing would give more pleasure 
than to see you it is the grates Comfort I have is thinking of the promist time 
when you will be here oh that bless hour when I shall see you once more my 
baby commenced to Crall to day it is very dellicate nothing more at present but 
remain your affectionate wife. 

HARRIET NEWBY 

P s write soon 



Brentville, August 1G, 1859. 

Dear Husband. 

your kind letter came duly to hand and it gave me much pleasure to here 
from you and especely to hear you are better of your rhumatism and hope 
when I here from you agaiu you may be entirely well. I want you to buy me as 
soon as possablo for if you do not get me somebody else will the servents are 
very disagreeable thay do all thay can to set my mistress againt me Dear Hus- 



Doc. No. 1. 117 

baud you not the trouble I see the last two years has ben like a trouble dream 
to me it is said Master is in want of monuey if so I know not what time he may 
sell me an then all my bright hops of the futer are blasted for there has ben one 
bright hope to cheer me in all my troubles that is to be with you for if I thought 
I shoul never see you this earth would have no charms for me do all you Can 
for me witch I have no doubt you will I want to see you so much the Chrildreu 
are all well the baby cannot walk yet all it can step around euny thing by 
holding on it is very much like Agnes I mus bring my letter to Close as I have 
no newes to write you mus write soon and say when you think you Can Come. 

Your affectionate Wife 

HARRIET NEWBY. 

[The last three letters are without envelope, but were evidently written to 
Dangerfield Newby, one of the Harpers Ferry insurgents. The place from 
which they were written is probably Brentville in Prince William, Va. The last 
letter bears this endorsement, in a scrawling hand : 

" Aug. 27. — Friend Whipple — Martha sent me this letter to-day. I sent it by 
the first mail. God spead the right. 

E. A. J. LINDSEY. 

P- S. — This letter is for Mr. G. Newby he left our houes this morning. 
E. A. J. L."] 



[35.] 



May the 1859, „ 21 Indiana, Pa. 



Dear Kagi 



i Recieved your letter and Was glad to here from you i Was almost out 
of patience wating i thought you had forgotten mee you wrote something 
about the afairs in Ohio i Wish it Would Come of soon for i am getting tireed 
a Doing nothing i Would like to know when the old man Will be Rack and 
when you Want mee the sooner the better it Will suit mee i Would like to see 
you all again let mee know whats goiug on When you rite to me give mee a 
plain hand i Can read it better Direct as Re fore rite as soon as you get this 
no Mure hut remaines your Friend 

A. HAZLITT. 
/. H. Kazi. 



118 Doc. No. 1. 



[30.] 

(Copy.) Springfield, Aug. 27, 1859. 

Dear Friend. 

Yours of the 18th has heen received and communicated. S. G. H. has 
sent you $50 in a draft on N. Y. & I am expecting to get more from other 
sources — perhaps some here, aud will make up to you the $300 if I can, as soon 
as I can. But I can give nothing myself, just now, being already in debt. I hear 
with great pleasure what you say about the success of the business, aud hope 
nothing will occur to thwart it. 

Your son John was in Boston a week or two since, aud I went to find him, but 
did not; and beiug away from Concord he did not come to see me. He saw S. 
G. II. — G. S. S. — W. P. — F. J., & C., and every body liked him. I am very 
sorry I did not see him. All your Boston friends are well. Theo. Parker is 
Switzerland, much better than when he left home. Henry Storrs of this place 
is dead, July 28th. I reached here yesterday and have seen few people as yet. 
Here I expect letters from those to whom I have written. 

I conclude that your operations will not be delayed if the money reaches you 
in course of the next fortnight, if you are sure of having it then, I canuot cer- 
tainly promise that you will, but I think so. 

Harriet Tubman is probably in New Bedford, sick, She has staid here in N. E. 
a long time, and been a kind of missionary. 

Your friends in C. are all well. I sro back there in a week. 



God prosper you in your work. I shall write again soon. 

Yours Ever. 



F. 



[The above letter, written to John Brown evideutly, appears to have been co- 
pied in the handwriting of Kagi from the original, which was probably lost or 
destroyed. The original has since been discovered, and is endorsed by Brown, 
" F. B. Sanborns letter."] 



[37,] 



Mr. J. H. Kagi, 

Sir : 



Tribune Office, New York, 
30 April 59 



Yours is received and we enclose our check for forty-one dol- 
lars for Seven letters from Kansas and two from Ohio. 

Yours, 

HORACE GREELEY & CO. 



Doc. No. 1. 119 



[38.] 

Office of the Daily Morning Leader, 
Cleveland, Ohio, June 21 1859. 

G. L. Heaton 
Br Sir, 

Mr. Cowles requested me to recommend to your attention, the 
bearer of this J. H. Kagy, Esq. who is connected with the N. Y. Tribune, and 
now from Kansas. He designs to go to Buffalo by Lake on one of the fine stea- 
mers you represent. 



Yours Truly 



J. L. BEARDSLEY. 



[39.] 



New York May 24th 1859 



Mr. J. H. Kagi, 
Dear Sir 

The price of the S & W S S is $ 15,00 cartridges $1.00 per 
hundred in quantities of 6 or more packets at a time a discount. of 20 per cent, 
terms cash. 

Yours Respy. 

J. W. STORRS Agt. 

[The abbreviations "S & W S S" mean Smith & Wesson's Seven Shooter.] 



[40.] 

Peterboro June 2 '59 
Capt John Broion 

My dear friend 

I wrote you a week ago directing my letter to care 
of Mr. Kearney. He replied, informing me that he had forwarded the letter to 
N. York. But as Mr. Morton received last evening a letter from Mr. Sanborn 
saying your address would be your sou's home — viz. West Andovcr, I therefore 
write you without delay and direct my letter to your son. 

I have done what I could thus far for Kansas — what I could to keep you at 
your Kansas work. Losses by indorsment & otherwise — have brought me under 
heavy embarrassments the last 2 years. But I must nevertheless coutiuue to do 



120 Doc. No. 1. 

in order to keep you at your Kansas work. I send you herewith my dft for 
$200. Let me hear from you on the receipt of this letter. 

You live in our hearts — Our prayer to God is that you may have strength to 
continue in your Kansas work. My wife joins me in affectionate regard to your 
son John whom we both hold in very high esteem. I suppose you put the Whit- 
man note into Mr. Kearney's hands. It will he a great shame if Whitman does 
not pay it. What a noble man is Mr. Kearney! How liberally he has contri- 
buted to keep you in your Kansas work ! 

Your friend 

GERRIT SMITH. 

[Endorsed in Brown's hand, " Gerrit Smith answered June 17th, and enclosed 
E. B. Whitman's note and II. Tubman's receipt."] 



[41.] 

New York State Bank, 

Albany 29th Aug. 1859. 
Messrs. J. Smith £>• Sons, 



Sirs, 



I have received with enclosure as stated, your favor of 



I hand you herewith my dft. on Merchants B'k N. Y. $100— in accordance 
with instructions from Houl. Gerrit Smith, Peterboro, N. Y. 

Respy Yours, 

J. II. VAN ANTWERP. 

["New York State Bank," "Albany," "1859," " Sir," and "I have received 
with enclosure as stated, your favor of" are printed in the original.] 



[42.] 

Oberlin, Aug 23 1859 
J Henrie Esq. 

Dear Sir, 

Yours of Augt 9, came to hand this moruing, and I hasten 
to reply, and should have replied to your first letter before, but it was so long 
reaching me that I was afraid you would have left Chambersburg. My pecu- 
niary condition is such, (having made loss in consequence of being in Jail of 
about $1200. on property shipped west) that I regret to say I cannot advance the 
money to save your father's lands. It would give me great pleasure to do this, 
and 1 am sorry I cannot. 



Doc. No. 1. 121 

Next with regard to the last proprosition. Our people have heeu drained of 
the hist copper to pay expenses for the Oherliu Trials, and are now sued by Lowo 
for $20,000, damages for false imprisonment. We have in all probability got to 
have another clinch with the scoundrels, and money, money, money, will be 
needed at every step. If I could possibly do so I would send you the needful 
amount, but in my opinion it will not be possible to raise it. By visiting other 
places and interesting other parties it might be done, but not here. I have to go 
to Missouri in a few days to look after my business there which has been left in 
a disastrous condition by imprisonment. 

Yours truly 

R. PLOMB. 



[43.] 

Sandusky, Ohio, Saturday eve. 

August 27 '59. 
Friend Henrie: 

I have not written since I left Syracuse, for the reason that I 
had nothing definite to write until within two or three days and then was too 
much occupied to write. 

At St. C I found none, and went on to Hamilton where I met with several 

capital fellows. The coppersmith on the G. W. R. R'd will go, but has an en- 
gagement on a steam engine which will hold him several weeks. I think hira 
one of those men who must be obtained if possible. For several months he was 
entirely out of business, waiting, but hearing nothing, took a job, which he can- 
not now leave till finished. There is at Hamilton two other men every way fitted 
by nature for such a place, one at least of whom will start as soon as traveling 
expenses can be raised. At Dr. W's house we formed an association, the officers 
consisting of Chairman, Treasurer, and Corresponding Sec'y, the business of 
which is, to hunt up good workmen, and raise the means amang themselves to send 
them forward. I am in communication with this association, and can reach them 
all at once through their corresponding sec'y. So that whatever you wish to 
communicate, can bo done through me by letter without delay. No minutes of 
the organization, nor of any of its proceedings are or will be preserved in writing. 
I formed similar associations in Chat — , and also at B — x — t-n. At the first place 
(H.) they will take hold at once and do something. At Chatham I met a hearty 
response. The delay since they last saw you has caused them however to scat- 
ter, and involve themselves iu business arrangements. The Capt. of the Fire 
Co. and one other of the best has gone to Frazer River. Dick was away har- 
vesting a number of miles from there, but from what they say, is on hand. 
_\| ex — | m d disposed of his affairs a good while since, and until within a few 
weeks had been waiting : but has lately resumed. Thinks he can now close out 
by 1st Nov. and in the mean time to prove his devotion will furnish means to 
help on two or three himself. He can be fully relied on. Anderson at Chat, 
will come on immediately. At ("B — n") I found the man — the leading spirit in 
that "affair" which you, Henrie, referred to. On Thursday night last I went 
with hira on foot 12 miles, much of the way through mere paths, and sought out 
16 



122 Doc. No. 1. 

in "the bush," some of the choicest. Had a meeting after 1 o'clock at night at 
his house. He has a wife and 5 children all small, and they are living very 
poorly indeed "roughing it in the hush," hut his wife is a heroine & he will be on 
hand as soon as his family can be provided for. He owes about $30 — -says that a 
hundred additional, would enable him to leave them comfortable for a good while. 

After viewing him in all points which I am capable of, I have to say that I 
think him worth in our market as much as 2 or three hundred average men, and 
even at this rate I should rate him too low. For physical capacity, for practical 
judgment, for courage, & moral tone, for energy fy force, & icj7Z,— for an ex- 
perience that would not only enable him to meet difficulty, but give confidence to 
overcome it, I should have to go a long way to find his equal, & in my judg- 
ment would be a cheap acquisition at almost any price. I shall individually make 
a strenuous effort to raise the means to send him on. Mr. A — n at Detroit is all 
alive — also De B. However Mr. A's wife is very sick, he will get down there as 
soon as possible. Is to let me know right away by letter what he can do, & 
when. De B is the working man there, & a host in himself. Thompson, is on 
hand as soon as he can shape his affairs so that his family a wife, & one child 
(6 mos. old) can be provided for. I saw friend Isaac's letter to De B. aud took 
a copy to send cu to the- other associations. When at " W — r" I saw our friends 
from Mo. They are all doing well — are working hard. Have raised a great dea' 
of stuff to live on. (J — m) & his family are out on a farm about 11 miles, did 
not see him. They all say he is doing better probably than any of those at 
*' W — r" They seemed anxious to do some washing or something for me for 

nothing. They said "tell your and thems with him that we all owes um a 

great deal more, than we can ever pay in dis world.'* By the way, it is now well 
ascertained that the fire was caused by an incendiary or incendiaries iu the inte- 
rest of the tyrants, who could devise no other plan. 

I go ou to night from here so as to meet the morning train for Oberlin. Shall 

write you very soon again. I left Mr. our Syracuse friend, at Detroit, 

whence he will return home, stopping at Ingersol & Loudon. Perhaps on the 
whole it was best, I had him accompany me on this trip, yet my first ideas of him 
\ find are correct. "He is too fat," nor is this all, his heart is only passively in 
our cause. Wherever I have been, they tell me, I had no need of a voucher, as 
my resemblance to "Isaac" would have been al! sufficient. As it is I very much 
regret that I spent so much money in transporting so much inert adipose matter. 
Now dout imagine anything occurred to mar friendly feelings, there did not, & 
what I have said I wish regarded as confidential. When T get home, if there is 
nothing which you have laid out for me to do, I shall ag soon as I get to it, set 
about raising some funds for the cause. From this on, I mean to devote my 
whole time if I can in the work. Donl fail to attach my name to that Docu- 
ment, or those documents — You know. 

If friend " Isaac" wishes me to go any where else, I shall need more means, as 
% have only enough to get back with. 

In haste, Yours, 

JOHN SMITH. 
•Give my warmest regards to all the fraternity. 



Doc. No. I. 123 

[This " Jobu Smith" is John Brown, Jr. His style is much more accurate aud 
finished than that of any of the rest of " the fraternity," and his handwriting is 
beautiful. On the back of this letter, in the handwriting of old Brown, is " J S Jr 
answered." "Isaac" is old Brown. There is also the following, in the hand- 
writing of Kagi : 

"P. of) Chicopee Bank (Mass. 

$ 50 No. 8953 

Springfield Aug. 30, 1859. 



T. WARNER, Jr. Cashier. 



Pay to order of H. Fuller, jr. fifty dollars. 

To the Continental Bank, Ntiv York. 

(Endorsed) 

Pay to the order of J. Smith & Sons. 

H. FULLER, Jr. 

Sent above by mail this day, addressed, J. Smith & Sons, Harpers Ferry, Va."] 

Chambersburg, Sept. 8, 1859. 



[44.] 

Syracuse, New York, 

Thursday Aug 11th 1859. 
Friend J. Henrie : 

Day before yesterday, I reached Rochester. Found our 
"Rochester friend" absent at Niagara Falls. Yesterday he returned and I spent 
remainder of day and evening with him and Mr. E. Morton with whom friend 
Isaac is acquainted. 

The friend at Rochester will set out to make you a visit iu a few days. He 
will be accompanied by that " other young man," and if it can be brought arouud, 
also by the woman that the Syracuse friend could tell me of. The son will pro- 
bably remain back for a while. I gave Fred'k $22 to defray expenses. If alive 
and well, you will see him ere long. I found him iu rather low spirits — left him 

in high. Accidentally met at R . Mr. E. Morton. He was much pleased to 

hear from you ; was anxious for a copy of that letter of instructions, to show our 
friend at " P — r" who, Mr. M. says, has his whole soul absorbed in this matter. I 
have just made him a copy and mailed him at R. where he expects to be for two 
or three weeks. He wishes me to say to you that he had reliable information 
that a certain noted Col. whose name you are all acquainted with, is now iu 
Italy. By the way, the impression prevails generally that a certain acquaintance 
of ours, headed the party that vistited St. J. in Mo. lately. Of course I dout try 
to deny that which bears such ear marks. 



124 Doc. No. 1. 

Came on here this morning. Found L. gone to Boston, Mass., and also said 
woman. As T. does not know personally those persons in C. to whom it is ne- 
cessary to have letters of introduction, aud he thinks I had hetter get him to go 
with nie there, I have made up my mind notwithstanding the extra expense to 
go on to Boston. L. is expecting to visit C. soon any way, and his wife thinks 
would contrive to go immediately. I think for other reasons also, I had better 

go on to Boston. Morton says, our particular friend Mr. S n, in that city is 

especially anxious to hear from you — has his heart and hand both engaged in the 
cause; shall try and find him. Our Rochester friend thinks the woman whom I 
shall see in Boston "whose services might prove invaluable," had better be 
helped on. 

I leave this eve in the 11.35 train from here, shall return as soon as possible to 
make my visit at C Will write you often. So far all is well. Keep me ad- 
vised as far as consistent. 

Fraternally yours, 

JOHN SMITH. 

[Endorsed in the handwriting of old Brown, "John Smiths Letter to J. 
Henrie."] 



[45.] 

Chambeksburg, Aug. 3, 1859. 

Tidd & Steward Taylor have arrived since the Coppacs. They say that Elza 
Maxson wished to get employment and I have written him to come on. The 
probability is that he will come, yet it is not certain. Carpenter has gone back 
to K. I have written to A. Wattles, urging him to have his start immediately- 
Owen will show you the letters from John Smith agt. of King & Bros. The 
cashings ought to be here (the first 10 boxes) in a very few days. I have twice 
heard from Ilazlett. He is ready. Have heard nothing from my friends, from 
Cleveland, but think I certainly shall receive a letter concerning them soon. 

J. HENRIE. 

[Endorsed "Isaac Smith Esq." in Kagi's writing; also "J Henries Letter," 
in the writing of old Brown. The word "cashings," which is plainly thus written 
in two of Kagi's letters, must have been intended for "castings," which is the 
term Kagi employs to designate certain boxes of arms sent to Kansas by the N. 
E. Emigrant Aid Soc, and reshipped by Brown's party, through King & 
Bros, of Ashtabula, to Chambersburg.] 



Doc. No. 1. 125 

[46.] 

Jefferson Ohio May 26. 1859 
My Dear Sir 

I shall be absent during next week, and hope to be at home 
during the summer. Shall be happy to see you at my house. 

Very truly 

J. R. GIDDINGS. 

John Brown Esq. 

[ Endorsed iu Brown's hand, "J. R. Giddings Requires no reply."] 



[47.] 

Washington Co., Md. 23d, July. 1859. 
John Henrie Esqr. 

Dear Sir 

Please mail enclosed at once 

[ The above is in the handwriting of old Brown. Below the last line in the 
original, is the following memorandum, in pencil, in the hand of Kagi : " (Letter 
to) George De Baptist Detroit Mich. (Did so same day.)"] 



[48.] 

Washington Co., Md. July, 27th. 1859. 
J. Henrie Esqr. 

All well. Yours of the 22d with enclosures is received. 
Please mail letter at once 



ma 
^ Respectfully 



J SMITH & SONS 



[49.] 

North Elba, N. Y. 25th, April, 1859. 
John Henrie Esqr. 

Dear Sir 

I write to say that I have again been en- 
tirely prostrated with the difficulty in my head & with ague : so that I have not 
yet been able to attend to any business. I am now some better ; but do not think 
I shall be able to do much, under a week or more. Please let our friends all 



^3Sr 



126 Doc. No. I. 

round know (so far as you can) the cause of my not writing them : or of my 
delay: as I am not able to write much now. I will write John, & Owen. Car- 
penter is at Medina, Medina Co. Ohio; Hazlett is at Indiauna, Post Office, In- 
dianua Co. Pa. I believe you have the address of all the others. All others 
well. Your Friend in truth. P. S. Write me under cover to Henry Thompson, 
North Elba, Essex Co. N. Y., if you learn any thing of interest. 

B 



[50.] 

Moneka, K. T. March 29, '59 
Dear Friend. 

Your favor of the 20th iast. was received last evening. We 
were gratified to hear from you and of your success. We had followed you with 
anxious hearts, from point to point on your perilous jouruey. Be pleased to let 
us hear from you from time to time, as you have opportunity. We are all well, 
and have been neither frightened nor hurt, though in constant peril of assassina- 
tion or arrest. The pro slavery party has defeated itself more by their own stu- 
pidity than by our smartness. We vote on the County seat in June. Send all 
the abolitionists here you can. 

Please continue that writing which you began at my house. I am a member of 
the Historical Society of Kansas, & am appointed on the department of bio- 
graphy. Please make a note of this, and act accordingly. 

Yours truly. 

Dr. Weaver killed himself I presume you have heard, while bringing in guns 
from Mo. to murder his neighbors with. It was a Providential interference for 
our protection I have no doubt. 

[Endorsed in old Brown's hand "A Wattles Letter. Answered May 18th."] 



[51.] 

Look for letters directed to John . Henrio: at Chambersburg. Euquire for 
letters at Chambersburg directed J Smith ; & Sous; for Isaac Smith). Euquire ) •> 
for height at the depot at Chambersburg for J, Smith & Sons ; & write them at 
. Harpers ferry as soon as any does coiner"? See Mr. Henry Watson at Chambers- 
burg : and find out if the Tribune comes on. Have Mr. Watson fti*^ his reliable 
friends get ready to receive company. Get Mr. Watson to make you acquainted 
with his reliable friends but do not appear to be any wise thick with them : fy do 
not often be seen with any such man. Get Mr. Watson to find out if he can a, 
trusty man or men to stop with at Ilagerstown : (if anysuch there be) as Mr. 
Thomas Hemic has gone there. Write Tidd to come to Chambersburg by Pitts- 



Doc, No. 1. 127 

burgh ; & Harrisburg, at once. He can stop off the Pittsburg Road at Hudson 
& go to Jasons for his trunk. Write Carpenter, & Hazlitt, that we are all right 
aud ready; as sooiv as we cau get our boarding house fixed: when we will write 
them to come on ;*«£d by what route. I will pay Hazlett the money he advanced 
to Anderson for expenses traveliug. Find yourself a comfortable cheap boarding 
* house at once. Write J Smith, & Sons; at Harpers Ferry. Enquire after your 
N<>ur Cleveland friends, & have them come on to Chambersburg if they are on the 
way : if not on the road have them wait till we get a little better prepared. Be 
careful ichat you write to all persons. Do not send or bring any more persons 
here until we advise you of our readiness to board them. 

[The above is in the hand of old Brown, aud was probably intended for 
Kagi, alias "J. Henrie Esqr." On the back of the original, in pencil, is a rough 
topographical drawing of the country from Chambersburg towards Harper's 
Ferry. This was probably clone by Kagi, as the names of the towns and other 
places along the route, are in his hand.] 



[52.] 
No. GREETING; 6. 

Head Quarters, War Department, 
Near Harpers Ferry Md. 

Whereas Oliver Brown has been nominated a Captain iu the Army established 
under the Provisional Constitution, 

Now, Therefore, In pursuance of the authority vested iu Us by said Constitu- 
tion, We do hereby Appoint aud Commission the said Oliver Brown a Captain. 

Given at the Office of the Secretary of War, this day, Oct. 15, 1859. 

John Broicn, Commander in Chief. 
H. Kagi, Secretary of War. 

[The above document is printed in the original, with the exception of the 
words and figures which I have underscored, which are in the writing of Kagi, 
with the evceptiou of the signature of John Brown, which is in his own hand.] 



[53.] 

Harper's Ferry, Aug. 18th, '59. 
Dear Sir, 

We have all agreed to sustain your decisions, untill you have proved 
incompetent, & many of us will adhere to your decisions as long as you will. 

Your Friend, 

OWEN SMITH. 

[Endorsed in old Brown's writing, "Owen Smiths Letter."] 






128 Doc. No. 1. 

[54.] 

North Elba, Aug. 17th 1859. 
Dear Brother John, 

We received your letter of the 7th August, last uight. 
Were very glad to hear that you were all well, and that you were laboring in that 
glorious cause. May the Lord abundantly bless all the laborers. It is a loug 
time since I have written to you. I have thought for several weeks past that I 
would certainly write this week but something has ever prevented me. I have a 
great deal to do this summer. AH are well. I suppose you have heard that Bell 
has a little boy. He is a fine little fellow and one of the best natured children I 
ever saw Watson named him Frederick before he went away, we all feel pleased 
that he gave him that name. You have no doubt heard that Watson Oliver 
Martha & Anna have gone to Pa. We have very dry weather but crops look 
very promising. Henry returned last night from Mt. Marcy where he has been 
as guid for some gentry. I have many things to write about but I have not time. 
I could not wait any longer. Will write again soon. You may send this to Fa- 
ther if you please.- Let us hear from you again. In haste. 

Your affectionate 

SISTER RUTH. 

[Endorsed "Ruth Thompsons Letter to John Smith" in old Brown's hand.] 



[-55.] 

Chambersburg, Pa. 
.A. M., Thursday, Aug. 11, 1859. 
Messrs. J Smith fy Sons : 

Oaks & Caufman have notified me that they have received 15 Boxes 
of freight marked to your address, with about $85 (eighty- five Dollars) charges 
all told. 

I await your directions in the matter. 

Respectfully, 

J. HENRIE. 
[Endorsed "J. Henries Letter," by Brown.] 



[56.] 

Received Collinsville June 4th 1859 of John Brown on contract of 1857 — one 
hundred & fifty dollars 

CHAS. BLAIR 
[Endorsed by Brown "Charles Blairs Rece'pt."] 



Doc. No. 1. 129 

[57.] 

Collinsville Ct June 10th 1859 

Friend Brown 

Your favor of the 7th was duly reed. — with the draft on N. 
York for $ 300 — I have made arrangements to have the goods finished up as soon 
as possible. The only man I could think of in this vicinity who is in situation to 
do it I have agreed with. But he would not agree to get them all out in less than 
eight weeks. Perhaps he can finish up one half the number soon if you desire it. 
But he has positively agreed to have them all out in eight weeks. I find that 
some of the handles have come up missing, and I shall not be able to make out 
more than about 950. Considering the delay and the extra trouble I am to be at, 
I thiuk you will be satisfied with that number I could have finished them when 
I had them under way for much less than I can now. 

Wishing you peace and prosperity, 

I remain yours truly 

CHAS. BLAIR 

[Endorsed "Charles Blairs Receipt for $300" by Brown, and directed iu 
Blair's handwriting, " Old John Brown." There is no envelope.] 



[58.] 

No. GREETING; 8. 

Head Quarters, War Department, 
Near Harpers Ferry, Md. 

Whereas, Watson Brown has been nominated a Captain in the Army estab- 
lished under the Provisional Constitution, 

Now, Therefore, In pursuance of the authority vested in Us by said Constitu- 
tion, We do hereby Appoint and Commission the said Watson Brown a Captain. 

Given at the Office of the Secretary of War, this day, Oct. 15, 1859 

John Brown, Commander in Chief. 
H. Kagi, Secretary of War. 

17 



V 



130 Doc. No. I. 

[59.] 

Chambersburg, Pa, 30th June, 1859. 
John Henrie Esqr. 

Dear Sir 

We leave here to day for Harpers Ferry; (via) II a - 
gerstowu. When you get there you had best look on the Hotel register for J. 
Smith & Sons without making much enquiry. We shall be looking for cheap 
lands near the Rail Road in all probability. You can write J Smith & Sons at 
Harpers Ferry should you need to do so. 



Yours in truth 



J SMITH 



[60.] 

Syracuse, N. York, 

Thursday, Aug. 17th, 1859. 
Friend Henrie: 

I am here to day so far on my way back from Bostou, whither 
I went on Friday last. Found our Syracuse friend there, but his engagements 
were such that he could not possibly leave until yesterday morning. We reached 
here about 12 o'clock last night. While in Boston, I improved the time in 
makiug the acquaintance of those staunch friends of our friend Isaac. First 

called on Dr. H . who, though I had no letter of introduction received me 

most cordially. He gave me a letter to the friend who does business in Milk 
Street. Went with him to his home in Medford and took dinner. The last word 
he said to me was "tell friend" (Isaac) "that we have the fullest confidence in his 
endeavor, whatever may be the result." I have met with no man on whom I 
think more implicit reliauce may be placed. He views matters from the stand 
poiuts of reason and principle, and I think his firmness is unshakable. 

The friend at Concord I did not see, he was absent from home. The others 
here will, however, communicate with him. They were all in short, very much 
gratified, and have had their Faith & Hopes much strengthened. Found a num- 
ber of earnest, and icarm friends, whose sympathies and theories do not exactly 
harmonise, but in spite of themselves, their hearts ivill lead their heads. Our 
Boston friends thought it better that our old friend from Syracuse should accom- 
pany me in my journey northward. I shall leave in an hour or two for Roches- 
ter, where I will finish this letter. 

I am very glad I went to Boston, as all the friends were of the opinion that 
our friend "I—" was in another part of the world, if not in another sphere. Our 
cause is their cause, in the fullest sense of the word. 



Doc. No. 1. 131 



Rochester, Thursday eve, Aug. 17th, 1859. 

On ray way up to our friends house, I met his son Lewis who informs me that 
tiis father left here on Tuesday via N. York and Philad'a to make you a visit. 
Mr. L. will come on to night in the 1.30 train, when we shall go right on north. 
That other young friend went on from here, to visit you yesterday. He will take 
a more direct route. Do not know as I have any thing farther to say now. My 
warmest regards to all our friends. 

Faithfully Yours, 

JOHN. 

[Endorsed by Brown — "John Smith's letter to J. Henrie."] 



[61.] 



Isaac Smith. 



Chambersburg, Pa., 

Saturday, Aug. 27—1859. 



I to-day day received the enclosed letter and check ($50). One 
box of freight from Akron has arrived. Weight about 275 lbs. Charges $3 50. 

The Goods remaining at O. & K's & those at E. & Go's have been started — 
were taken from here yesterday morning. They should have arrived at your 
place last night. 

The box, I neglected to say, is at O. & K's. 

I also send letter from John Smith. 

J. HENRIE. 

[Endorsed by old Brown — "J. Heurie's Letter." 



[62.] 

West Andover Ashtabula Co. Ohio 

Friday Sept. 2nd 1859. 
Friend Henrie : 

I reached home day before yesterday and have since been 
busy writing to " our folks" both in C. and nearer home. Have sent off letters to 

De B. at D. to C -m, & to Buxton — & to Hamilton to P — r iu N. Y. & and 

this morning to F. B. S. at Concord Mass. In all of these letters I have forward 
the lastest word from your region. 



132 Doc. No. 1. 

Friend L y at Ob will be on hand soon — Mr. C. H, L u will do all! 

he can here, but his health is bad. "J. D. H." I did not see, but L n thought 

would be right on. Mrs. Sturtevant is a working woman, any thing she can do 
she will take hold of in earnest. Write her if you get time. Jas. Smith is mar- 
rying a wife " & therefore cannot come." John L -n at Ob., brother of C. H. 

L. sympathises strongly & will work hard — Ralph, also, I think. I shall start out 
soon to try to get some means in the way Father suggested when here to help on 
the cause, in the mean time, I wish he would remit me some more moans say 
$25 or $ 30 — as I had only enough left to get back with, & I have to purchase 
the material to winter my little stock on since I was absent 6c on this business 
during the haying season. 

Am greatly rejoiced that the 15 Boxes freight are all through safe, as that was 
the most important part. Surely, as Father says, " a good Providence seen»3 to 

lead us." How was our "R v" friend Pleased, you say he returned, I wish 

to know in what "frame of mind." 

Euclosed is a letter to \V e which came under cover to me. Dont fail to 

keep me fully advised, as through me you can reach the faithful wherever I havt 
been. I will write very often. The last letter I sent you from Sandusky O. 

My warmest regards to each and all. 

Yours 

JOHN 

[ Endorsed by old Brown "J S Jr answered."! 



[63.] 



Dear Sirs : 

I have just received the following : 



Chambersburg, Pa. 

Monday, July 18, 1859. 



" Colliksville, July 12, 185f>. 
Messrs. J. Smith fy Sons : 

We are in receipt of a letter from in which he wishes the price list 

of Collins Co's tools forwarded to you. I have made inquiry of their agent con- 
cerning the matter. He says that their business is all done through their commis- 
sion house in New York, and to them he wished me to refer you. Their address 
is Collins & Co., 212 Water st. New York 

Yours respectfully. 

CHARLES H. BLAIR." 



Doc. No. I. 133 

I wrote to Tidd one week ago to-day — several days before receiving your letter 
directing me to do so, and enclosing letter to H. Liudsley, which I forwarded by 
first mail. 

None of your things have yet arrived. The R. R. from Harrisburg here does 
no freight business itself. That all being done by a number of Forwarding Houses 
which run private freight cars. I have requested each of these (there are six or 
eight of them) to give me notice of the arrival of any thing for you. 

I am Your obt. sevt. 

J. 11ENRIE. 

J. Smith if Sons, Harpers Ferry, Va. 

[Endorsed by old Drown, "J. Henries letter." The original of the letter co- 
pied in the body of the above, is among the papers found at Brown's house, and 
from it I am enabled to supply the blank which Kagi designedly left in the second 
line. It is "John Brown Esq."] 



[64.] 

Collinsville Ct. August 27, 1859. 
Messrs. J. Smith $> Sons 

Your favor of the 24th inst. is at hand. In reply I would say that 
I have not yet forwarded any part of the freight spoken of But shall forward the 
whole the last of next week. It was all to have been ready the 10th of August. 
But in consequence of some delay in obtaining some maleable castings, the work 
has been delayed. And I thought it best to send the whole at once, as it would 
cause me some trouble to make more than one shipment, as the work is being 
done several miles from this place. The man who is finishing up the work assures 
me that it will all be ready the last of next week. I will advise the day that I 
send it forward. 



Respectfully Yours 
[Endorsed by Brown "Charles Blairs Letter."] 



CHAS. BLAIR 



[65.] 

John Henrk Esqr. 

Dear Sir 

I wish you to give such explanations to our friends, as to our 
situation here; as after advising with Owen you will be enabled to do. We cau 
of course do nothing to purpose till our freight is mostly received. You know 



134 Doc. No. I. 

also that it takes a great deal longer to start some folks than it does others. It 
will be distressing in many icays to have a lot of hands for many days out of em- 
ploy. We must have time to get on our freight ; and also to get on some who 
are at a distance; before calling on those who are ready, & waiting. We must 
make up our lot of hands as nearly at one and the same time ; as possible. Do not 
use much paper to put names of persons & places uppon. Send back word about 
the price of board with you. 

Respectfully Yours, 

J. SMITH. 

[This letter was written by old Brown. There is uo envelope to it by which 
the date can be ascertained; although it was probably written in September, 
1859. On the back is the following address: "John Henrie Esqr. Chambers- 
burg Pa,"] 



[66.] 

Harpers Ferry Va 10th Sept. 59 
J Henrie Esq 

Please forward enclosed at once 6c write us on first arrival of 
freight or of hands to work on the job. 

J,ft\ kt^4- Yours &c 

J SMITH & SONS 



[67.] 

Boston, Mass, May 16th, 1859. 
J H Kagi Esqr 

Dear Sir 

I should have acknowledged the receipt of 
yours of April 21st to Henry Thompson ; together with writing case & papers 
(all safe so far as I now see) & also yours of 27th April to me : but for being 
badly down with the ague : so much so as to disqualify tue for every thing nearly. 
I have been here going on Two weeks; & am getting better for two days past 
but am very weak. I wish you to say to our folks all as soon as may be ; that 
these is scarce a doubt but that all will set right in a few days more, so that I can 
be on my way back. They must none of them think I have been slack to try ; 
6c urge forward a delicate, & very difficult matter. I cannot now write you a long 
letter: being obliged to neglect replying to others; & also to put off some very 
immportaut correspondence. My reception has been every where most cordial; 
& cheering, 

Your Friend in truth 

JOHN BROWN. 



Doc. No. 1. 135 

[68.] 

Westport, N. Y. 16th April 1859. 
J. II. Kagi Esqr. 

Dear Sir 

I am here waiting a conveyance to take me 
home. Have been quite prostrated almost the whole time since you left me at 
Johns; with the difficulty in my head & ear: & with the ague, in consequence 
Am now some better. Had a good visit at Rochester, but did not effect much 
much. Had a first rate time at Peterboro. Got of Mr. S. & others $ 160, nearly, 
& a note (which I think a good one) for $285. Mr. S. wrote Eastern friends to 
make up at least $2000, saying he was in for one-fifth the amount. I feel en- 
couraged to believe it will soon be done; & wish you to let our folks all round 
understand how the prospects are. Still it will be some days (& and it may be 
weeks) before I can get ready to return. I shall not be idle. If you have found 
my writing case, 6c papers; please forward them without delay by Express to 
Henry Thompson, North Elba, Essex Co. N. Y, care of Jas. A Allen Westport 
New York. 

Your Friend in truth 

B 

[Endorsed in Kagi's hand, "Ans'd To Henry Thompson;" also in one corner, 
in pencil, by the same hand, the following: "The Roving Editor or Talks with 
Slaves in the Southern States By James Red path A. D. Burdiek New York 
12 mo pp 349 $1 00" besides a quautity of writing in Stenographic cipher.] 



[69.] 

Co. Md. 2d Aug. 1859. 
Dear Sir 

(No time has yet been lost.) If our friends can find some kind of 
employment about or near you; so as to pay for their board, & washing untill 
the freight gets on : it will save a good deal of expense & some exposure : We can 
take care of them here ; but they will be compelled to be perfectly idle ; & must 
not be seenabtutus. Everything is exactly right : if we can only avoid suspicion : 
but we shall be obliged conceal any increace of uumbers : as we cannot find a 
good excuse for having a larger company, People are very curious about our 
business. We must not fail of the purchase now. 

[On the back of the original slip of paper, in the middle, is the following ad- 
dition : "Please notify all to move : if they are impatient but to wait a few days 
more if not extremely so." The left hand corner of the paper containing the 
name of the county, is torn off.] <t t^, 



136 Doc. No. 1. 



[70.] 

Washington Co. Mo. 6th Aug. 1859. 
Dear friends all * 

I wrote to have the freight sent : on the 5th of July : and am 
disappointed in not having it started till so late a date. My intention was to try, 
& get hands collected; Sc freight on : as near together as possible: and I hope 
that may yet be brought about in some good measure. I want all to exercise 
patince. Nothing of any account can be effected ivithoul it : -tmd. I can assure 
you all: that I have had my own patience tried a number of times. I hope 
George G will so far redeem himself as to try : & do his duty after all. I shall 
rejoice over "one that repeuteth." There should come a box of Bedding &c. 
from Jason. I want to know at once as soon as J ohm first shipment arives: as 
about that time we shall need to collect hands here. I was sorry about the mis- 
take by which Mr. C. was parted from O. on the way back. He has not come 
on; £c we suppose he found his way to you again. Every thing seems exactly 
right; & will be so, I have no doubt: if our own imprudence, fmd folly do not 
secure a failure. As to what I have written about George I do not mean to be 
severe: I think the best way for every man is promptly to straighten up when- 
ever he sees his wrong. 

Yours in truth 

[The above is in the handwriting of old Brown. The "George G" referred 
to is George B. Gill, one of the provisional government party at Chatham, and 
at one time secretary of the treasury. Among the effects of the insurgents found 
at Brown's house, near Harpers Ferry, is a small morocco bound pocket journal 
with the name of George B. Gill in it, and various entries in the form of a diary, 
from which it appears that this person went from Philadelphia August 2Gth, 1851, 
and shipped from New York soon after on a whaling voyage. He appears, at 
times, to have indulged in poetry. Tidd speaks of him in his diary, as Dr. Gill.] 



[71.] 

West A.ndovku, Ashta Co. O. 

(Wednesday) July 37th 1859 
Friend Hcnrie 

I yesterday went to Hartstown with the balance of the Hard- 
ware & castings. They consist all told, of 15 Boxes numbered 1 to 15 thus 1. 
2 &c and marked J. Smith Ac Sons Chambersburg Pa By It. Rd. via Pitts- 
burg & Harrisburg. The household stuff will soon follow. These latter boxes 
will be numbered (A) (B) &c. 

It is almost impossible to get teams to do hauling, for owing to the drouth, 
grass is drying up and every horse and man is busy. You may be assured it has 



Doc. No. 1. 137 

cost no small amount of labor both of head and hands to get this lot of freight 
so far on its way "all right." I enclose to you some cards of King 6c Brothers 
you may find them of some use to you. If they succeed in disposing of that 
Territory, you will of course need all the Cast Iron patterns for their Post that I 
have sent you. 

Let me know of tho same arrival of this freight. 

All well— (In haste) 

Your friend 

JOHN SMITH. 

[The above letter to Kagi is by John Brown, jr., and is endorsed by his father 
•'John Smith's Letter." The " King & Bros." are manufacturers of "Iron Fence 
Posts," at West Andover, Astabula co., O.] 



Friend Henrie 



[?a.] 

West Andover, Ashtabula county, Ohio, 

Thursday morning, Sept. 8th, 1859. 



I yesterday eve. rec'ed yours of "Friday Sept. 2nd," and I not 
only hasten to reply, but hasten to lay its contents before those who are interested. 
Through those associations which I formed in C I am, through the corres- 
ponding sec'ys of each, able to reach each individual member, at the shortest notice 
by letter. 

I am devoting my whole time to our company business. Shall immediately go out 
organizing and raising funds. From what / even, had understood, I had sup- 
posed you would not thiuk it best to commence opening the coal banks before 
spring, unless circumstances should make it important. However, I suppose the 
reasons are satisfactory to you, and if so, those who own similar shares, ought 
not to object. I hope we shall be able to get on in season some of those old 
miners, of whom I wrote you. Shall strain every nerve to accomplish this. You 
may be assured that what you say to me, will reach those who may be benefitted 
thereby, and those who would take stock — in the shortest possible time; so, dont 
fail to keep me posted — my initials simply, under cover to Horace will answer 
just as well, and perhaps better. Please remember this. Did the last shipment 
of (i Boxes and 1 chest of household goods safely arrive? How did the mining 

prospect seem to strike our R r friend, in short, was his faith increased in the 

practicality and profit of the work & how much stock did he take? I some think 
of exhibiting a specimen of the Fence at Cleveland Fair in October, about the 
first of the month I believe, and I may direct you to write me there in case of 
the friends with whom you used to board. When in Cleveland, I made their ac- 
quaintance am pleased with them. Mrs. S. thought she could do something even 
though her husband was too much absorbed in other business. She might I 
18 



i:j8 Doc. No. 1. 

think invest profitably, and would be a good stock-holder. You might drop her 
a line, through me, if you think better than to her direct. I feel that it is all 
important that you should have that wire from the East, and hope you will not 
have to make any fence without it. The specimens put up here are beautiful. 
Our castings cost us here not less than 3c per lb. if our plan succeeds I think 
the cost might be materially lessened. 

Last night we had a smart frost. Cannot say how much the corn is injured — 
no piece that I have seen is out of the way of the frost yet. 

There is a general dearth of news in this region. By the way I notice through 
the "Clevelaud Leader," that "Old Brown" is again figuring in Kansas. Well, 
every dog must have his day, aud he will no doubt find the end of his tether. 
Did you ever know of such a high-hauded piece of business. However, its just 
like him. The Black Republicans some of them may wink at such things, but I 
tell you, friend Henrie, he's too salt a dose for many of them to swallow, and I 
can already see symptoms of division in their ranks. We are bound to roll up a 
good stiff majority for our side this Fall. I will send you herewith the item re- 
ferred to, which I dipt from the "Leader." Give best regards to all, and believe 

me 

Faithfully Yours 

JOHN. 

[The extract pasted to the bottom of the letter, is as follows : 

"Old Brown" — Release of Dr. Doy. 

It is intimated that Dr. Doy owes his release from prison at St. Joseph, to the 
presence of the brave Ossawatomie Brown in Kansas. The marked coolness, 
firmuess, sagacity, and success of the deed, bespeak "Old Brown's" work. It 
was planned and executed by a leader of daring character, and whose audacity 
in bearding the slave holders in their den had been rendered matchless by expe- 
rience. The reward of $3,000 offered some mouths ago by the Governor of 
Missouri for the capture of Captain Brown is a tempting one, but the Missourians 
do not appear to be very anxious to make the special acquaintance of the hero of 
Black Jack, Ossawatomie and Fort Scott." 

The "Mrs. S." referred to in the above letter, is probably Mrs. Sturtevant, of 
Cleveland. This letter is endorsed in old Brown's hand "J S Jr answered."] 



i 



[73.] 

Dear Friend, 

Our friend from Concord called with your note. I begin the in- 
vestment with fifty dollars enclosed and will try to do more through friends 

DOCTOR S. G. H. 

[Endorsed by old Brown "Dr S G H letter," supposed to be Dr. S. G. Howe, 
of Boston. The top of the original torn off.] 



Doc. No. J. 139 

[74.] 

West Andover, O. 

Saturday July 23d 1859. 
J Henrie Esqr. Chambersburg Pa 

Dear Sir 

Your favor of July 16 enclosing a brief note from J. Smith & Co. 
is reced. Will preserve the list, but as yet, I have reced no letter with instruc- 
tions, or as to when, how, dec. 

Please say to Esqr Smith that I yesterday forwarded to Canal at Hartstown 
Pa 11 Boxes "Hardware & Castings" from King & Bros. They are numbered 
and marked thus *1 to 11 — "By It Rd. Via Pittsburg & Harrisburg J Smith & 
Sons Chambersburg Pa" Shall send balance Hardware &c. on Monday next — 
*8 and *9 are those which were on store with E. A. F. at Lindeoville. Mr. Smith 
will remember. His Household goods I shall send along as fast as possible. The 
letter asking me to retain the Drafts, came too late, I had got them cashed. 

Write often, directing to John Smith, under cover to Horace Lindsley as before. 
Let me know if those goods come through safely. 

Please say to Mr. S — I am still ready to serve. 

Very Respectfully &c. 

JOHN SMITH. 

[Endorsed by old Brown "John Smiths Letter to J. Henrie"] 



[75.] 

Boston, December 23d, 1858. 
Dear Sir, 

I have heard vaguely of your general purpose and have been seek- 
ing definite information for some time past and now Mr. Redpath and Mr. 1 1 in ton 
have told me of your contemplated action, in which I earnestly wish to join you 
to act in any capacity you wish to place me as far as my small capacities go. 

I am now about starting for Hayti with Mr. Redpath to pass the winter there 
and I shall return in lime for all movements. In case you should accept my ser- 
vices, I would return at any time you might wish me to and in the Spriug at any 
rate. 

Is there anything it would be well for me to study meanwhile? Of course I 
shall pay all my expenses and shall acquire the use of the proper tools for the 
work which I have bought. 



140 Doc. No. 1. 

Any letters addressed to the care of my Grandfather, Francis Jackson 31 Mol- 
lis St. Boston. 

I already consider this the whole present husiness of my life I am entirely free 
from any family ties which would impede my action. 1 was much disappointed 
in not meeting you in Kansas last winter with a letter of recommendation from 
Wendell Phillips. 

Immediately upon my return in the Spring I should wish to be employed in 
any manner to lie of service to you and if convenient to go through your system 
of training which I propose studying. 

Yours 

FRANCIS J. MERIAM. 

[The above has no direction that I can discover. The name "S. Morgan" is 
written on the back, but in a different hand from Miriam's.] 



[76.] 

Cleveland August 22 '59 
My Dear J. Henrie 

1 wrote you immediately on receipt of your last letter 
then went up to Oberlin to see Leary. I saw Smith, Davis and Mitchell they all 
promised ;<nd that's all. Leary wants to provide for his family. Mitchell to lay 
his crop by and all make such excuses until I am disgusted with myself aud the 
whole negro set, god-dam em ! 

If you was here your influence would do something but the moment you are 
gone all mv speaking dont amount to anything. 

I will speak to Smith to-day. I kuow that Mitchell hasn't got the money and 
I have tried to sell my farm and everything else to raise money but have yet 
raised a cent. Charlie Langdon says " it is too bad," but what he will do if any- 
thing I dont know. I wish you would write to him for I believe he can do more 
good than I. Please write to him immediately and I will give up the thing to 
him. 

I think however nothing will inspire them with sufficient confidence unless you 
come. I will however do all I can. 

Truly etc. 

J. II. II. 
Charlie goes to see Leary to-day. 

[The "J. II. II." is supposed to be J. II. Harris.] 



Doc. No. 1. 141 



[77.] 



It must be abolished by War. Peaceful abolition would result in a war of 
races. Slaves will grow in war and fit themselves for equality. A republic can- 
not abolish it. Slavery & its increase a bribe. 

[The above, in the handwriting of Kagi, is found on a small slip of paper.] 



[78.] 

OJJices filled. 

Com. in chief, - John Brown. 

Sec. of War, - J. H. Kagi. 

„, , , „ - ? Alfred M. Ellsworth. 

Members of Cong. . J 0s , )0m Anders0Q . 

Treasurer, - - Owen Browu. 

Sec. of Treas. - George B. Gill (vacant.) 

Sec. of State, - Richard Realf (vacant.) 



Committee appointed by the Convention icith -power to elect the other officers. 



John Brown. 


C, 


, W. Moffet. 


J. H. Kagi. 


Jo 


hn E. Cook. 


C. P. Tidd. 


Steward Taylor. 


C. Wipple. 


Osborn Anderson. 


Owen Brown. 


A 


, M. Ellsworth. 


W. H. Leeman. 


R 


ichard Richardson 


Richard Realf. 


Jo 


hn Lawrence. 


L. F. Parsons. 








Offices to fill. 




Presideut 


1 


Sec. 


of state 


1 


Sec. 


of Treas 




Judg 


es of S. Court 


3 2 


Mem 


bers of Cong. 


10 5 



[The foregoing is in the handwriting of Kagi, and was probably done at 
Chatham, in 1858. [See No. [ 1]. ] 



142 Doc. No. 1. 

[70.] 

Bedford, Pa. June 27th, 1359. 
John Henrie Esq. 

Dear Sir 

We go from this place to Chamhersburg where 
you will find Anderson & Three Smiths; or a line directed to yourself at the 
Post Oflie. We are making some good arrangements. 

Yours in truth 

J. SMITH. 

[ Written by old Brown] 



[SO.] 

Harpers Ferry, Va. 12th July, 1859. 
John Henrie Esqr 

Dear Sir 

Please mail enclosed letter at Chamhersburg; by 
first of opportunity. Also please write Charles Moffett asiodl as Tidd ; to come 
on to Charabersburg : as I thiuk we shall be ready for them ; as soon as they 
get on. All well say nothing of my whereabouts; at present. 

Yours in haste, 

J SMITH & SONS 

[ Endorsed by Brown "John Henrie Esqr Chamhersburg Pa".] 



[81.] 

Astabula, Ashtabula Co. Ohio., 
Monday July 18th, 1859. 
Dear Father : 

Yours dated at Chamhersburg Pa July 5th and mailed at Troy 
N. Y. July 7th, and also yours of the 8th with enclosed Drafts for $ 100, I rec'd 
in due season — Am here to day to get Drafts cashed — Have now got all my busi- 
ness so arranged that I can devote my time for the present entirely to any busi- 
ness you may see fit to entrust me. Shall immediately ship your freight as you 
directed. Most probably, by canal from Hartstown (formerly Hart's Cross Roads 
Crawford Co.) to the River, at Rochester Pa (formerly Beaver) thence by R Rd. 
via Pittsburg &c as you directed. 



Doc. No. 1. 143 

Shall hold myself in readiness to go North on any business you choose to direct, 
or confide in my hauds. All well — Have two or three letters from N. E. which I 
will forward to "J. H." 

In haste 

Your affectionate son 

JOHN SMITH. 

[ " John Smith Letters" endorsed by old Brown. Also the following in the 

handwriting of Kagi : " Cambersburg, July 22— Friday— Dear Sir, I received 

the within and another for Oliver to-day. I thought best not to send the other. 

It is from his wife. There are other reasons which I need not name now. Have 

had no other letter from anyone. 

J. HENRIE."] 



[82.] 

Washington Co. Md. 11th Aug. 1859. 
J. Htnrk Esqr 

Dear Sir 

I got along Tuesday evening all right; with letters &c. I 
do hope all corresponding except on business of the Co: will be droped for the pre- 
sent. If every one must write some girl ; or some other extra friend telling, or 
shoiug our location ; & telling (as some have done) all about our matters ; we might 
f as well get the whole published at once, in the New York Herald. Any person is 
a stupid YooZ who expects his friends to keep for him ; that which he cannot keep 
himself. All our friends have each got their special friends ; and they again have 
theirs; and it would not be right to lay the burden of keeping a secret on any 
M4_ reu.; at the end of a long string. I coul tell you of some reasons I have for feel- 
ing rather keenly on this point. I do not say this on account of any tale bearing 
fir- that I accuse any '— you of. Three more hands came on from North E. on 
Saturday last. Be sure to let me know of any thing of interest. 

Yours in truth 

Please forward enclosed at once.. 

[The above is in the handwriting of old Brown.] 



[83.] 

Akron O. Aug 12th '59. 

J Smith £,- Sons 

Gents 

I sent the box of clothing yesterday as directed. By mistake at the 
P. O. vour letter was not put into our box and I did not get it tell it was adver- 
tised, this is the reason why the box was not sent sooner. Our box at the P O 

is No 412. 

Yours respectfully, 

["Jason Smiths Letter"— old Brown's endorsement.] 



144 Doc. No. 1. 

[84.] 

Shj Dear Capt. Broivn. 

I am very busy at home Will you Please, come up with my son Fred 
ami take a mouthful with me? 

In haste Yours truly, 

FREDERICK DOUGLASS. 
Dec. 27 



[85.] 

Akrojj O Aujr 25th 1859 



J. Smith £,- Sons 



Your letter of the 17th I got yesterday. I had sent the box some 
time ago, and wrote you at the time directing the box as you told me, and the 
line as above. Your first letter I did not get till it was advertised, by mistake at 
the office it was not put into our box (No 412) We are glad to hear that you 
are well, and your prospects so good. Ellen is sick. She was confined about 2 
weeks ago, over a month before the time, the child was born dead. Ellen is quite 
weak and feeble yet, but I think she will get about before long. 

Your Friend 



[Directed "J Smith & Sons, - ' and endorsed in old Brown's hand, "Jason 
Smith's Letter."] 



[86.] 

Kekne, N. Y„ 9th June, 1859. 
J. Henrie, Esq. 

Dear Sir 

After being delayed with sickness, & other hin- 
drances ; I am so far on my way back; 6c hope to be in Ohio within the coming 
week. Will you please advise the friends all of the fact; and say to them that 
as soon as I do reach ; I will let them know where I will be found. I have been 
niidling successful ; in my business. 

Yours in Truth 

JOHN BROWN 



Doc. No. 1. 145 



[87.] 

Wkst Andover, Astabula Co. Ohio. 
Suuday eve Aug 7th, 1859. 
Friend J. H. 

I leave to-morrow (Monday) for my Northern tour. Have 
succeeded admirably in getting the freight started in good shape, in short — "all 
right." Saw Mr. W. yesterday Wm. H. L. was here a day or two since. They 
will start in a couple of weeks unless they hear from you in the mean time to the 
contrary. Have written you three letters before this. Have rece'd the Drafts 
for two Hundred. The last shall probably get cashed in Rochester — perhaps at 
Ashtabula. If you wish to communicate with me before I return, write to my 
wife under cover to Mr. L. as heretofore, aud she will forward to me at Chatham 

I yesterday gave W. $6.00 which in addition to the $20, which our friend S 
gave him will enable the three to meet their traveling expenses. Shall write you 
quite often while away. 

The first lot of freight of 15 boxes I presume has reached you ere this. The 
last (G Boxes & 1 chest) will not be many days behind them 

All well- 
Very truly ccc. 

JOHN SMITH 

[ Endorsed by old Brown "John Smiths Letter to J Heurie.") 



[88.] 

$ 10;00 

Brooklyn August 18 '59 
Esteemed Friend 

I gladly avail myself of the opportunity offered by our 

friend Mr. F. Douglass, who has just called upon us previous to his visit to you, 

to enclose to you for the good cause in which you are such a zealous laborer. A 

small amount which please accept with my most ardent wishes for its, aud your, 

benefit. The visit of our mutual Friend Douglass has somewhat revived my 

rather drooping spirits in the cause, but seeing such ambitiou & enterprise in him 

I am again encouraged with best wishes for your welfare and prosperity & the 

good of your Cause I subscribe myself Your sincere friend 

MRS. E. A. GLOUCESTER 

Please write to me with best respects to your sou. 

[Endorsed by old Brown "E. A. Gloucesters Letter."] 
19 



146 Doc. No. 1. 



[89.] 

Horse Cars leave Tremont House every half hour = get out at Jamaica Plains, 
& enquire for house of George R. Russel The steam Cars leave Providence De- 
pot get out at the Jamaica Plain Station. 

[The above is found on a half sheet of note paper among Brown's docu- 
ments.] 



[90.] 

Chambersburg, Aug. 30 — 1859 
Isaac Smith : 

Dear Sir 

I received the enclosed by this afternoon's 
mail. Sent the letter & draft from H. to you on Saturday. From what I wrote 
then I expect to see Owen to-morrow. If I had a little money for expenses I 
think I could do some good out of town for two or three days, but it will be too 
late to get any from you. Your tools were all finished and sent to O. & K's 
Ware House to-day. 

I shall look for a letter from Collinsville by day after to-morrow at farthest. 

Respectfully, 

J. HENRIE. 

[ "Isaac Smith" means old Brown. The letter is endorsed by him "J. Henries 
Letter," in his usual way.] 



Doc. No. 1. 147 



[91.] 

William Charles Munroe 

President of the Convention 
G. J. Reynolds ] Robison Alexander 

J. C. Grant Richard Realf 

A J Smith . Thos. F. Gary 

James M. Jones Richard Richardson 

George B. Gill L. F. Parsons 

M. F. Bailey Thomas M. Kinnard 

W. Lambert M. R. Delaney 

S. Hunton Robert Van Vruken 

C. W. Moffet Thos. W. Stringer 

Job J Jackson Charles P. Tidd 

1 Osborn Anderson John A Thomas 

Alfred Whipper C. Whipple 

Jas. M. Bell J. D. Shadd 

W. II. Leemau Robert Newman 

Alfred M. Ellsworth jOwen Brown 

John E. Cook John Brown 

Steward Taylor / J. H. Harris 

his his 

Jas. W. Puruell Chas. X Smith. \ X Simon Fisher 

his mark mark 

George X Akin Stephen Ditten , Isaac Hobbar 

mark 

v lias Chtman Thos. Hickerson 

his 
> James X Smith 
mark 
John Comiel 
J. H. Kagi 

Secretary of the Convention. 

[The above is a copy from a half sheet of white letter paper supposed to have 
been part of the Provisional Constitution adopted at Chatham, in 1858. The sig- 
natures are, or appear to be, in the handwriting of the different persons whose 
names are appended. The words " President of the Convention" after Munroe's 
name, are in the handwriting of Kagi.] 



>-\ 



148 Doc. No. 1. 

[92.] 



7. 



The General Staff of the Com. iu Chief will be complete by establishing, in 
addition to the Constitutional provisions, the Office of Commissary Gen. 

[The above copied from a scrap of paper not found by the Transcriber till the 
last, is in the handwriting of Kagi in the original, and evidently belongs to. the 
document numbered 4 '2".] 



[ 93.] 

EtizABETHTowx, Essex Co., N. Y. 
Oct 21st 1859 
Sir 

I received yours of the 18lh inst to-day. John Brown came with his 

family to reside in this Co from Massachusetts iu 1849 or '50. He had sometime 
before that resided in Ohio, where he now has a son living I believe. Gerrit 
Smith about the time he came here to live, gave away a large tract of Wild land 
of little value to a large number of colored persons & it was supposed Brown 
came here to aid them in settling. He lived ou a farm in their vicinity &c his 
family now reside there & have done so since they first came to the county. 
Most of the colored persons left in a short time. Brown was away a good share 
of the time until 1855, when he went to Kansas & did not comeback until 1857. 
He left some time during that year & was only here once, until May last when he 
came back in co. with one Anderson said to be from Iowa. They staid here about 
ihree weeks both went away together, & were gone some time, both came back 
&c staid a few days & then left together & have not been back since either of 
them. Before B. came here to live he was engaged in the wool trade in Co. with 
•mother man 6c it is said they failed He went to Europe for a wool dealer in 
Massachusetts, some 7 or 8 years ago. Brown & his family sustained the cha- 
racter of good citizens while they were or have beeu iu the Co. with the excep- 
tion of his Kansas operations & his political views in regard to them he was 
considered deranged. I have known Brown ever since he first came to the 
County and have seen him frequently since then whenever he has been at home. 
He always had money sometimes inconsiderable amounts although his farm was 
not considered a very valuable one. His wife is living with two children. He 
has a daughter married to one Thompson brother (it is supposed) to the one killed 
at Harpers Ferry the 17th inst. Brown had no confidents here outside of his 
family or their connexions. I have written thus hastily so that it would go by the 
next mail. Any further information I would be pleased to furnish that you may 
wish, that is known in this region, in regard to him. 

Yours Respectfully 

S. C. DWYER. 
Hon. A. R. Boteler, Sheperdstoivn, Fa. 

P. S. — It is reported that his family have been looking for some news iu regard 
to Brown in the papers. 



Doc. No. 1. 149 



[94.] 

[Among the papers are several letters from Cincinnati, O., in stenographic 
cipher, apparently from the house of Longley & Brothers, phonetic printers. 
They are dated, however, in 1856. The envelope to one of them has been pre- 
served, bearing the Cincinnati postmark with "Dec. 6" for date within the post- 
mark. Its direction is "J. H. Kagi, care 'Tribune' Topeka, Kansas."] 



[95.] 

[There is on the back of King <fc Bro's card, referred to in the correspondence 
copied, the following, in pencil, in Kagi's hand: "You had best write to your 
shippers at Collinsville to ship (in care of) C. W. Eyster & Co., Chambersburg, 
Pa. I can then find it when it arrives much more conveniently. Besides it will 
come with more certainty and quickuess. J. Henrie."] 






[06.] 

[E. W. Clark of Springfield, Me., writing to Tidd, at Tabor, Iowa, on the 16th 
Oct. 1856, uses this language in speaking of the condition of thiugs in Kansas: 
"I could wish if it were right that I had high heaven's power. I would marshall 
a force that before which Pierce, Douglass, and all of his border ruffian force 
would look small, and I reckon they would not figure so conspicuous a part as 
they do." 

The same person, from the same place, writing to Tidd (still in Iowa), under 
date of Dec. 25th, 1856, says: "I hope from present appearances that Kansas 
will yet be free. From our late accounts, the southern emigrants are leaving by 
hundreds. I think from the moving of the waters that the south will abandon 
that laud to the north, and strike for something south to enlarge their favored in- 
stitution. I think they will soon find that they have all that they can attend to at 
home. The slaves arc in a state of insurrection all over the country. Every pa- 
per brings us accounts of their plots for a general uprising. They cannot ac- 
complish that object at present. The ball is moving, and they have heard the 
sound, and they are ready to keep it a moving, as their rising discontent seems to 
indicate they will surely accomplish their object before long." 

This Clark appears to have married a sister of Tidd, named Susan. They 
afterwards, in 1857, moved to Iowa. 

Mrs Clark, writing to Tidd from her new home in Iowa, Feb. 14, 1858, says, 
" We received your letter from Springdale last night, and was very much dissatis- 
19* 



150 Doc. No. 1. 

f;e<l with it. We want to know what you are doing, and it seems that you do 
not want us to know. Try and explain yourself a little better if posable. It 
looks as though you was preparing to shoot. Do tell us who is the victim." 
Tlieu follows an account of family and local matters. 

Again, March 0th, 1858, she writes to Tidd, "We received yours by the last 

mail We feel many misgivings about your situation. It appears 

to me that it must be dangerous, although there may be wise heads at work. I 
wish that I could — whether your operation is perilous to yourselves, provided 
that you get defeated. Your kindness to us has made you very dear to us, and 
th'' Idea of your being in danger makes us unhappy. Oh that you were here 
nicely settled on a farm, how relieved I should be ! I do not advise any oue to 
abstain from duty — but I do not want Inoceut blood shed for the removal of the 
great monster slavery. Do not fear that we will betray you in anything that you 
say to us, even Ernest does not know what you have written. We do not want 
you to feel uneasy about us. We shall get along some way." She then speaks 
of her husband's splitting rails for "one dollar the hundred," and wishes that 
Tidd might lend them "ten or fifteen dollars the first of June," if it will not dis- 
comiuodo him. In the same letter, her husband, E. W. Clark, writes, "Not 
knowing the nature of your undertaking I do not know whether it — to be dan- 
gerous or not but knowing the giant with which you have to contend I fear that 
it will result in no good to you."] 



[97.] 

Cleveland, Ohio, April 22, 1859. 
Dear Tidd : 

I wish you to keep disengaged, still, as I hope soou to have em- 
ployment for you again. My partner was at Westport, New York, a few miles 
from North Elba, on the lGth inst. He has collected $160 of Mr. S. with note 
for nearly $300, more who had notified his partners in Boston that they must 
calculate upon paying $2,000 immediately, and that he was prepared, to advance 
if necessary, $400 of that amount out of his own private funds. So we think 
there is no danger of our failing to raise the necessary capital, in a few days, or 
at least, weeks. 

Write Charlie. I know why he thinks of stopping, and shall be able to re- 
move his objections. I shall write to Luke to-day. 

I have been sick for several weeks with severe cold and ague. Am getting 
well now. 

Have you seen any letters forme — did you forward me any ? Write me at 
once, care of Isaac Sturtevant, Box 1750, Cleveland. 

Respectfully, 

KAGI. 

[ The envelope to this letter is directed "C. P. Tidd, Springdale, Cedar Co., 
Iowa." The postmark is " Cleveland O. Apr. 23, 1859."] 



Doc. No. 1. 151 

[98.] 

Cleveland, Ohio, Sunday, May 8, 1859. 
Dear Tidd: 

It was Iruc that you wrote me at Andover, and that was the 
cause of my not receiving your letter until quite lately. It should have been 
Wisl Andover. 

I wrote you a few day:.; since respecting the last news from N. Elba. John B. 
has been sick, but expects to get on to Boston this week. Was unable to write 
to all when he wrote to me, and wished me to write to the rest. I think there is 
no doubt that we shall have a crop this year, though it will be rather late. 

I have had a letter from Thndeus Hyatt, ex Pres of the Kan. Not. Com. in 
which he says that he not seen It. R. since he went to England. He has not re- 
ceived any letters from him as I understood Hinton to write me from Boston 
before I left you. Hyatt understands things. He understood these men, and 
was therefore surprised at R's going to Europe as he did. Mr. H. is now further 
investigating his action, as well as that of another, and will report to me. There 
is something mysterious in your sudden anxiety to hear from Realf. Why is it? 

I do not remember whether I wrote you about Ilazlet & Jerry. They both 
came on as I told you they would. Al. is Iudiana, Indiana co., Penn., at his old 
home. 

Carpenter is at his home in Medina, Medina county, Ohio, about '5 miles from 
Cleveland. 

The Oberlin Rescue case is still in court here. The second prisoner a good & 
Indian, £ African, and £ White, a sharp fellow, and the leader of the rescue in 
fact is now being tried. The trial will close in a day or two. It will take about 
a year to try all the others. Itcosts about $ 1000 dollars to the Government, each 
day. Langston has been on trial about 15 days. The other cases will be put off 
for a while. I shall stay here till the matter is settled, for there may be some- 
thing to do. Another effort will be made to get the State Courts to interfere. 
The U. S. threaten war if they do, and that suits me. 

I am now writing for the Cleveland Leader, and N. Y. Tribune. 

Respectfully 

KAGI. 




1;?2 Doc. No. 1. 

[99.] 

Tolkdo, March 13, 1859. 
Friend Tidd and your friends. 

I thought thai I would write a few lines to you to let you know that 
>; into Chicago ;ili wright. Friday moruiog the old man and Wipple went 

■ ■ I' unit, ami Friday Dlgbt Kagi an ! Back and the rest of our folks started for 
Detroit t<> and I staid until Saturday morning and then started for Cleveland 
with the hones and I, far as Toledo where I do hav to stop until! Mon- 

day in.. ruin;; and then go I'll tu Cleveland and ther I think I will find the hoys 
with in a day or ("• This i-; all that I have got to write at present. 1 send my 
hiv tu you and all the rest of the of the young folks 

Yours truly 

HENRY C. CARPENTER. 
I * I *•;:-*< ■ direct your lett< r at Madina, Madina Co. Ohio. 
[Directed to Charles IV Tidd, Springdail, Seder Co. Iowa.] 



[100] 

Gki.nnell, March 8th, 1858. 
Mr. Tidtl, 

I if ii ived your letter a fi w days since nnd was glad to hear of 
your safe arival at Spring Dale. 

'iiiv inquiries made since you left this place, concerning you 
and your company to know if we had heard from you. all seemed to he very 

anxions that you should land the Negroes safely in the land oj health (as Mr. 

(Jrini; 

One of the Girls ut School wrote a Composition on Mr. Brown's taking the 
»iu Mo. I read in the paper this morning that Mr. Brown and his 
company . ■ . , ; through Grinnell 

The Grinnell School exhibition is coming off Tuesday Evening the 18th of this 
month, an ' oj cou w\ should all be very glad to see you here. 

EUZABETB BATCHAM. 

Yours Respectively. 

[Direct.'. I to "Mr. ('has. J. Tidd. Spriogdale, Cedar Co. Iowa," and post- 
mark, d "Grinnell Iowa Mar. 8."] 



Doc. No. 1. 153 



[101.] 

[Miss Elizabeth E. Tidd, writing from Clinton, Ms., Feb. 17th, 1858, to her 
brother Charles P. Tidd, says, "You may believe that I was very glad indeed to 
receive your letter dated Jan. 21st, I have written to you twice siuce you have 
written, and I felt afraid that you had ether forgotten me or had found somethiug 
to be displeased about. But I suppose your travelling about has prevented the 
receipt of my last one at least. 1 hope this one will reach you. I was surprised, 
very much surprised, at your determination. I hope you have considered the con- 
sequences as seriously as they deserve. You give your time, your strength and 
the best years of your manhood in endeavoring to accomplish w hat I fear you 
will find in the end can never be accomplished by brute force." 

In another letter, from the same place, dated May 11th, 1858, she says to Tidd, 
" I have just received your letter dated Chatham, C. W., I had mailed a letter to 
you directed to Springdale a moment before, but I recalled it and I now enclose 
this to Lindenville. I feel very much interested to know of your whereabouts 
and of your welfare, and I heartily bid you God speed iu anythiug and every 
thing that is right and true. Oh my dear brother, I want to see you so mucin 
I'm sick to-day, and am feeling very desolate indeed, and your words "I cannot 
see you for a year perhaps never," make the tears come. Of course I should like 
to know the details of your plans; I feel curious to become acquainted with the 
method by which the institution of slavery is to be aprooted in a few months. 
The monster has grown slowly, but surely, and it is entwined in the hearts of the 
s-outhern people, and its overthrow must be, I think, a work of time. But per- 
haps you allude to slavery in Kansas. I trust it will be free yet, and I shall ba 
very proud if I can say that my brother has helped to do it." 



154 



Doc. No. 1. 

[102.] 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



011 899 163 1 



Harpers Fkrhy, Oct. loth, 1859. 
Lewis Hay den 

Secretary of Stale x s Office, Slate House, Boston : 

Orders disobeyed. Conditions broken. Pay S. immediately balance of my 
money. Allow no further expenses. Recall money advanced, if not sent. 

FRANCIS J. MERRIAM. 
\ 
[The above is a copy of a telegraphic dispatch sent by Merriam from Harpers 
Ferry on the day before the outbre-ak there commenced.] 



[103.] 

[Tidd's correspondence appears to have been more extensive than that of any 
of the rest of Brown's confederates.- Among his letters are several from a 
Quaker family of the name of Varuey, who lived either in or near SpVingdale, 
Iowa. Moses Vnrney, on the 9th of July 1859, writing to Tidd, says, in connec- 
tion with remarks about some enterprise which Tidd was understood by him 
(Varuey) and his family, to have embarked in for the cause of " bondsmen," — 
"We received a letter from Tabor — all right — sigued by G. B. Gaetou, Edwin 
Hill, Charles Miniswager, Robert H. Hurlbut, Marcus C. Pears?, Darius P. Mat- 
thews, Jesse West, C. A. Webster, James Jones, S. H. Adams, A. C. Gaston, A. 
M. Gaston." In the same connection, he speaks of them as "our particular 
friends here," which seems to have been a favorite mode of alluding to ti'ose who 
were either actually engaged in or had cognizance of Brown's contemplated p!ans. 

There is another letter to Tidd, from West Branch (Iowa), on the "8th mo.. 
11th, 1859," [the Quaker mode of computing time], signed by "Emlen," who is 
believed, from the handwriting and from other circumstances developed in the 
letters of old ' Mother Varney," which were pretty freely showered upon Tidd, 
to be a you f the Varney family. She says, "I hear of an insurrection 

of the colore! people some where. If it is near you, you will be likely to know 
something of the excitement as you are so near the line. If a person keeps out 
of all "scrapes," he will not be likely to get into difficulty. Well, I suppose 
John E. is married. Give him my regards." She also sends her love to '• tho 
old man," to Kagi, Whipple [Stephens], and to several others of Brown's band. 
The "John E." is evidently John E. Cook, who was married at Harpers Ferry. 

Another of the Vameys, who signs her letter "Anna," says, "Excuse me, my 

dear friend, for saying so much, for I feel that under thy present engagements, 

thou hast great need to feel prepared to meet thy final Judge, not knowing how 

'suddenly thou may be cut down, and all thy efforts for the relief of the bondsman 

be at an end." The date of her letter is "7th mo. 22d, '59."] 



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